Donald M. Whaley, 80
JAN. 30, 1930 — MAY 15, 2010
BLOOMINGTON — Donald Maurice Whaley passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday May 15th, 2010, at Bloomington Hospital. He was 80 years of age.
Don was born January 30th, 1930, in Bloomington, Indiana to Dexter R. and Jessie E. (Goodman) Whaley. A 1947 graduate of Bloomington High School, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 serving during the Korean conflict earning the rank of Sergeant. After a stint as a laborer and mason for his uncle Wade Whaley of Superior Lumber and Building Company, Don became Masonry foreman for Weddle Brothers Construction Company working on numerous projects including the high rise portion of the Bloomington Hospital expansion. In 1964, he founded Whaley Construction Company. Whaley Construction became the foremost masonry contracting firm in southern Indiana completing numerous public and private projects throughout Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Bloomington and IU landmarks such as IU Center for Excellence, Monroe County Museum, IU Chemistry Building expansion, WonderLab, IU Law School expansion, Jordan Hall expansion, DeVault Alumni Center, IU Foundation expansion and Bloomington H.S. South expansion all feature masonry work by the firm. In 1992, he co-founded 3D Stone with his son David and family friend Dick Holmes. 3D has become a very successful company in the limestone fabrication industry and is currently shipping finished limestone products from coast to coast and Canada.
In the early 60s, along with Lenora Underwood and Wayne Ikerd, Don founded the Vaqueros 4-H Horse & Pony club which brought 4-H horses to the Monroe County Fair for the first time.
Don was a lifetime member of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen and an honorary lifetime member of the American Legion Burton Woolery Post #18.
Don is survived by his sons Greg and David Whaley, and daughter Teri Whaley, all of Bloomington; granddaughters Lindsey Whaley of Bedford, Whitney Whaley of Indianapolis, and Heather Whaley of Ellettsville; stepdaughter Marci Volz (David) of Bloomington; stepson Marty Endris of Bedford; sister Marion Cagle (Don) of Avon and sister Norma Bishop of West Lafayette; several nieces, nephews and six stepgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Don Cagle.
The family wishes to acknowledge Dr. James LaFollette and wife Evelyn (Whaley) for their assistance and support.
Visitation will be 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday with services following immediately at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association in care of Allen Funeral Home.
Allen Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.allenfuneralhome.org.
