Eugene Richard Whalen
1924—2024

Eugene Richard Whalen, 100, of Columbia, passed away Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at his residence.

He was born March 2, 1924, in Johnson City, New York, to the late John Joseph Whalen and Eva Lena “Evelyn” (Shuman) Whalen Howard.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Grettis Marie Moore Blackburn Cameron Whalen; a daughter, Karen Davis; a sister, Janice Whalen Larmer; a brother, Theodore Joseph Whalen; and a sister-in-law, Jean Moore.

Mr. Whalen was a member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, a veteran of World War II serving in the U. S. Navy, and a retired railroad engineer for CSX Railroad. He was a certified amateur ham operator and enjoyed traveling, fishing, tinkering and fixing things, and spending time with his family and friends, who loved him dearly.

Survivors include a daughter, Sheryl Yeadon of Mitchell, Indiana; a son, Michael Whalen of Mississippi; and two nephews, raised as their own: Bill Moore of West Virginia and Joe Moore of Morehead.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, at Stotts-PhelpsMcQueary Funeral Home. Burial was at the Moore Family Cemetery in Pilgrim on Tuesday. Arrangements are under the direction of Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.