Donald R. Whalen

Donald R. Whalen, 87, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, in Granite Shoals, Texas, with his loving family at his side.

Donald was the son of Leona and William Whalen, born in Schaller. His family relocated to Newton in 1945, where his father soon after started their family business, Whalen Water Well Drilling Co. Donald graduated Newton High in 1950 and enlisted into the Navy and served during the Korean War from 1951- 55. Don went on to be a successful drilling equipment sales manager for the George E. Failing Co. He had a passion for music and turned his hobby into a second career as a music DJ for several popular clubs in the Austin area during the 80s and 90s. Donald was a gentle humorous soul and all who met him new immediately of his kind and loving nature. He was notably a skilled joke teller and very talented carpenter. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Aka: “Pops.”

Donald was proceeded in death by his wife, Frankie G. Whalen; brothers, Merlin “Mike,” Daryle and Jerry Whalen; and sister, Marjorie Whalen Smith. He is survived by sister, Barbara Whalen Ellis of Newton; son Jeffery A. Whalen of Indiana; daughters, Carla Jean Hawk and Lynn Marie Whalen of Texas; stepdaughter, Debra Jo Gainey of Texas; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joan Whalen of Texas; and his very best friend, Bill Fisher of Pflugerville, Texas.

A memorial service will be announced in the Spring of 2021. Memorial donations may be directed to VFW Foundation at VFW.org/donate.