Noel Clark Whalen, 72, of Lodi, CA, and a former resident of the Bluford and Mt. Vernon areas, was found dead at his home in California.

He was employed for 24 years with General Motors at Romeoville (error - was actually Willow Springs, IL), retiring in 1989. The Whalens then made their home in Lodi, CA.

He was born April 4, 1924, in Bluford, a son of Vern Whalen and Maud Butler. April 24, 1949, in Mt. Vernon, he married Doris Leona Davis, who died Aug 10, 1996.

He was born and rasied in Bluford. He then went into the Army in 1944 and served 20 years, being discharged in 1964. Mr. Whalen and his wife Doris lived in many locations during his military career. After his discharge they settled in Romeoville (IL).

Graveside services will be 10:30 am Wednesday at Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City with the Rev. Jim Hefner officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 pm Tuesdat at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Those attending the graveside services on Wednesday are asked to go directly to the Thomason cemetery in Wayne City.

Military flag peresentation services will be conducted by the chaplain of American Legion Post 141 of Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Whalen is survived by a son, Gary Whalen and wife JoAnn of Joliet; a daughter, Sandra Bauer and husband Horst of Morgan Hill, CA; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; and several cousins.

He was a member of Lodi Avenue Baptist Church in Lodi, CA; Jefferson Lodge 368 AF & AM of Opdyke, and the National Rifle Assocation.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Howard Whalen and Glenn Whalen.