David Whalen

David Wesley Whalen age 74 is in the care of Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home. David Wesley Whalen, known as "Bud" to most, was the second of 10 siblings born to Alfred and Hazel Whalen. Bud was born February 21, 1943 in Oliver Springs, TN, and passed away August 26, 2017 in the loving company of family. Bud was survived by his former wife of 43 years Betty McMillan Whalen, two sons Billy Joe Whalen of Sunbright and Alex Whalen of Oak Ridge, his daughter Trish Brown and husband Kenny of Oak Ridge, seven grandchildren, Zachary Heth William and Cassidy Whalen of Oak Ridge, Matthias, Micah, and Merrick Brown of Oak Ridge, and Triston Whalen of Covington, LA. He is also survived by two brothers Ted and wife Judy of Loxley, Al, Paul and wife Rose of Knoxville, and two sisters Sherry Cox and husband Danny, of Harriman, and Barbara Goad and husband Eddie of Oak Ridge, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bud was a retired Navy Veteran. He served his country for 20 years, serving on 10 different air craft carriers, and four deployments in Vietnam, as an aviation jet mechanic working on jet planes and helicopters. After retiring from the Navy, he began working for the state of TN department of prisons where he was a classification counselor. In 1999, he was awarded the humanitarian of the year award for his work within his community. He retired in 2005 after 23 years with the state.
Bud loved children, and this was apparent by his involvement with youth sports. In his younger years he enjoyed coaching football, baseball, and softball; after his retirement, he enjoyed watching from the stands. Because of his love for youth sports, and his grandchildren, in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Bud's name to the Atomic City Aquatic Club at PO BOX 4725 Oak Ridge, TN 37831.
Online messages may be left for the family at www.martinfuneralhomeoakridge.com .
Arrangements are being handled by Martin's funeral home in Oak Ridge, TN. Receiving of friends with be Saturday September 16, 2017 from 1pm to 3pm. Service will follow at 3pm with Pastor Garvin Walls officiating.