Howard A. Whaley

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.