Col. Donald Basil Whalen

Col. Donald Basil Whalen, USAF (Ret), 88, of Lake Winola, died Tuesday morning, April 30, at Golden Living Nursing Center in Tunkhannock. His loving wife of 22 years is the former Ethel Martin.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late George T. and Blanche Mougnos Whalen. He was a graduate of Clarks Summit High School when he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a member of the military police in Italy during World War II. After returning home he went on to receive a bachelor's degree in education from East Stroudsburg University. He went on to teach at Newton-Ransom High School and Fern Creek Elementary School in Orlando, Florida. In June 1953, he returned to the military as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, beginning his 28-year military career serving in Mississippi, France, Germany, Vietnam, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Georgia and Texas, retiring in 1981. Donald wrote in his memoirs, "Reaching the U.S. Air Force in 1953 and finding my career and life's work almost by accident was an extraordinary circumstance with all its wonders." He attributed his success to his commitment to be "firm, fair and consistent."

He enjoyed golf, playing bridge, reading, photography, and was a frequent contributor to the op-ed section of The Times-Tribune. He was a N.Y. Yankees fan and a member of Mensa. Donald had many loyal friends, definite opinions, strength of character but a tender heart, an endearing sense of humor, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Also surviving are a son, Matthew James Whalen, his wife, Brenda, and granddaughter, Taylor, of San Antonio, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Susan Whalen, granddaughters, Abigail and Emily, and grandson, Isaac Whalen, of Virginia Beach, Va; a stepdaughter, Cheryl Meehan, of Charlotte, N.C.; granddaughter, Molly Meehan Loizeaux and husband, Mackenzie, of Charlotte; and grandsons, Matthew Meehan and wife, Jaycee, of Fort Mill, S.C.; and Michael Meehan of Charlotte; a stepson, Alfred Eckstadt, his wife, Tamara, and granddaughter, Katherine, of Jordan, New York; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by a son, Lt. Col. Mark Thomas Whalen, USAF (Ret); and a brother, George B. Whalen.

A blessing service will be held Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m., at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home & Cremation Svc., 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, Pa.

Friends may call Monday from 5 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant St., Suite 900 Pittsburgh, PA 15219, would be most appreciated.