In Memory Of
Ward Whelan
Ward Whelan
Ward B. Whelan, 62, of Topeka, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 following an eight-year journey with cancer. He was born June 5, 1949 in Topeka, the son of Mary and Wayne Whelan.
Ward graduated from Topeka West High School in 1967 and the University of Kansas in 1971 with a BS in Business Administration. While at KU he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Following graduation he worked at Remington Rand in Kansas City before returning to Topeka to work at Whelan's, Inc. in the hardware warehouse. From there he became manager of Whelan's Component Homes, then Vice President and Manager of Contractor Sales. Later, he became President and CEO of Whelan's Lumber until it was sold in March of 2008.
During his career in the lumber business he was on the Board of Directors of Do-It Best Corporation. He served on the Board of Advisors for Caradco Window and Door Company and also on the Topeka Homebuilders Association board for many years.
In the Topeka community he served on the boards of Boys & Girls Club, Stormont Vail Foundation, 20-30 Club, Chamber of Commerce and the United Way. He was a member of Topeka Bible Church and Rotary International. Ward was a member of the Jayhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts where he, as a leader, mentored his sons and other scouts from Tiger Cub Scouts through Eagle Scouts.
Ward enjoyed KU sports, running, fishing and hiking. Throughout his cancer journey, he encouraged others through the Cancer Connections ministry. Ward had a passion for studying God's Word and loved sharing it with others.
Ward married Debbie Waring on July 18, 1981 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include sons, Jeff Whelan, Prairie Village, Todd Whelan, Knoxville, TN; sister, Jan (Jim) Good, Denver, CO; aunt, Marge McElhenny, Topeka; and cousins, Ann and Sara McElhenny, Overland Park.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at Topeka Bible Church. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.
The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial contributions to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or Topeka Bible Church, 1135 SW College, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Topeka Rescue Mission, 1132 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66608. Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ward graduated from Topeka West High School in 1967 and the University of Kansas in 1971 with a BS in Business Administration. While at KU he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Following graduation he worked at Remington Rand in Kansas City before returning to Topeka to work at Whelan's, Inc. in the hardware warehouse. From there he became manager of Whelan's Component Homes, then Vice President and Manager of Contractor Sales. Later, he became President and CEO of Whelan's Lumber until it was sold in March of 2008.
During his career in the lumber business he was on the Board of Directors of Do-It Best Corporation. He served on the Board of Advisors for Caradco Window and Door Company and also on the Topeka Homebuilders Association board for many years.
In the Topeka community he served on the boards of Boys & Girls Club, Stormont Vail Foundation, 20-30 Club, Chamber of Commerce and the United Way. He was a member of Topeka Bible Church and Rotary International. Ward was a member of the Jayhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts where he, as a leader, mentored his sons and other scouts from Tiger Cub Scouts through Eagle Scouts.
Ward enjoyed KU sports, running, fishing and hiking. Throughout his cancer journey, he encouraged others through the Cancer Connections ministry. Ward had a passion for studying God's Word and loved sharing it with others.
Ward married Debbie Waring on July 18, 1981 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include sons, Jeff Whelan, Prairie Village, Todd Whelan, Knoxville, TN; sister, Jan (Jim) Good, Denver, CO; aunt, Marge McElhenny, Topeka; and cousins, Ann and Sara McElhenny, Overland Park.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at Topeka Bible Church. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.
The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial contributions to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606 or Topeka Bible Church, 1135 SW College, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or Topeka Rescue Mission, 1132 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66608. Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ward Whelan, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Topeka Bible Church
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