Howard A. Whaley
September 1, 1934 – December 15, 2025
In accordance with his wish cremation will take place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the charity of one’s choice, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Howard A. Whaley, age 91, passed away on December 15, 2025, at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo. Howard was born September 1, 1934, in a small farmhouse near Iroquois, Illinois to the late Vernon and Pauline Whaley who were tenant farmers. He graduated from Donovan Community High School and then from the University of Illinois in 1956. On Jan 31, 1954, he wed Lola Jean Anderson in the rural Beaver Methodist Church near Donovan, IL. Howard obtained his doctorate in Organic Chemistry from University of Wisconsin in 1961. His professional interest was discovery and structure determination of antibiotics where he co-authored many scientific papers and patents. His employers have been Lederele Labs (1961-1966) and Upjohn (1966-1996). Howard was active in Boy Scouts as both a youth and adult serving as Troop Community Chairman and Scout Master. He served his church in many capacities including Lay Leader. For several years he was an officer of the American Diabetes Association, often lecturing on nutritional chemistry of foods. Howard had several personal interests and hobbies he enjoyed. He was an avid fisherman, a passion he passed on to his grandchildren; enjoyed gardening and reading books. He followed professional baseball, college basketball and played volleyball in a league with Jean until the age of 70. He enjoyed listening to Dixieland Jazz and Big Band music. He and Jean took many memorable trips, travelling to all 50 states, camping in many, as well as traveling to several foreign countries; he particularly enjoyed his trip to Germany. Howard leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived and he will be missed by all who knew him. Howard’s first love was his family. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jean and their children; Dana (Sue) Whaley, Bruce (Carol) Whaley, Lisa Whaley, Dawn (Eric) Thompson. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Megan and Matthew Whaley, Kristen (Jason) Brody, Jake (Michelle Favor) Whaley, Lauren King, Dalton (Kylee Ewert) King, Libby (Jake) Taylor, Nick (Chelsea) Thompson, Katie Thompson, Austin (Katie Wagner) Thompson; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Lester (Barb) Whaley; extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by a brother, Wendell Whaley.
To the Whaley Family, Jean, we know what a close family you all were, but you included your friends in all the fun times. Howard was such a good Christian man with a dry sense of humor. I am happy to say we knew and enjoyed him for many many years. We send our sincere condolences to all of you. We are keeping you in our hearts and prayers. Stan and Jane Smeed
A Personal Tribute to Howard A. Whaley. It is a shock for me to learn that H. A. Whaley is no more. I had the good fortune to work with Howard at The Upjohn Company in the late 1970s, and those memories remain vivid even after so many years. Howard was a remarkably kind and gentle man—steady in his manner, generous with his time, and always willing to help others without hesitation. I learned a great deal from him, not only about the work we shared but also about the values that truly matter in a professional life: humility, patience, integrity, and quiet dedication. Howard never sought attention or praise, yet his selfless nature and strong work ethic made a lasting impression on everyone around him. He was the sort of colleague who lifted others up simply by being who he was. Howard leaves behind a permanent mark in my memory and in the memories of all who had the privilege to know him. I will always remember him with gratitude and respect. May his soul rest in peace. “Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” — Hamlet, Act 5, Scene 2.
The Portage Central Class of 1976 sends their condolences to our classmate and his family on the loss of their loved one.