Edward F. Whalen

(Feb. 13, 2013)

Edward F. Whalen of Sweetwater, formerly of Tellico Plains, went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, Feb. 13, at his residence. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tellico Plains. He said he lived a full life and had done so many things, a firefighter, brakeman on the railroad, owning a lawn service, co-owner of a marina, and founder of Whalen Construction  to name a few. While making his livelihood he said through it all it was the people, not the profession that made life meaningful. He carried this belief with him even to the smallest thing like coaching a baseball team. “It wasn’t the game it was the coaching of people, making them feel good and about believing in themselves. The joys are caring and sharing that love for each another.” He was and is a godly man. His strong belief in God and family being there for each other is the backbone of our family.  He cherished the importance of family and friends, and many of his friends were very close to him.  He always said love and forgiveness are the most important things in life now and in the life to come.

He was 72.

Preceded in death by: his parents, Edward P. and Cecil Sommers Whalen; and two sisters, Margaret VanDerlofske and Eileen Whalen.

Survivors include: wife-Karen E. Whalen of Sweetwater;

Daughters and sons-in-law-Eileen F. Whalen and Steve Bowen of Tellico Plains; Kathleen and Mike Goca of Madisonville; Tracie and Jim Kile of Sweetwater; Angel and Michael Duncan of Kentucky; Elaina Cross of Watervliet, N.Y.; Melinda Case of Greenville, N.Y.;

Sister-Francis O’Halloran of New York;

Brothers and sisters-in-law-Robert and Rosemary Whalen of New York; Timothy and Barbara Whalen of New York;

Grandchildren and spouses-Michael (Andrea) Goca, Mariah Goca, Phillip Goca, Robby (Jennifer) Barger, Royce Barger, Noah Kile, Jonah Kile , John Griffith Whalen, Tiffany Griffith Kile,  Jesse Glossom, Shelby Case and Derek Case;

Five great-grandchildren;

Several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15, in the chapel of Myers Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 8 p.m., with Rev. Bill Clark officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16 and proceed to Unicoi Cemetery for the 2 p.m. committal service. Noah Kile, Jim, Kile, Mike Goca, Robby Barger and Steve Bowen will serve as pallbearers. The family request in lieu of flowers memorials to be made to First United Methodist Church of Tellico Plains, P.O. Box 194 Tellico Plains, TN 37385 or to the family.  Arrangements by Myers Funeral Home, Tellico Plains.