Charles H. Whalen, 83, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021 at Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff.
Charles was born December 14, 1937, to Martin and Gertrude Whalen on the family farm on Ten Mile Creek in Poplar Bluff. He married Shirley Thomas April 6, 1963.
Charles joined the Air Force in 1957 retiring in 1978. Charles was an aerospace ground support equipment mechanic and received a bronze star during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Air Force, Charles worked for the VA hospital, also retiring from there.
After retiring Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. He enjoyed all outdoor activities including visiting the diamond mine in Arkansas and the four corners between Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. On his farm, he raised cattle, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, guineas and horses. He also raised two baby raccoons and a fawn, releasing to the wild as soon as they were acclimated.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Leslie (Don) Russell of Odessa, Texas; son, Martin (Faith) Whalen, of Destin Florida and grandson, James Russell, Norman, Oklahoma and numerous nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his grandson, Samuel Russell and nine siblings, Lawrence Whalen, Marie Kearbey, Raymond Whalen, James Whalen, Irene Cagle, John Whalen, Margaret Jackson, Agnes Cagle and Joseph Whalen.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 22 from 11 a.m. until time of service at Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Center. Funeral service will be at noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Kearbey Chapel Cemetery with full military honors.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.willowridgefcs.com