Pastor Bruce D. Whalen Jr.

Pastor Bruce D. Whalen Jr.

January 16, 1934     November 7, 2018

     Pastor Bruce D. Whalen Jr., 84, rural New Enterprise, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday evening, November 7, 2018, at UPMC Altoona. 

He was born in Roaring Spring, son of the late Bruce D. Sr. and Mary I. (Albright) Whalen.  On October 7, 1962 he married N. JoAnn Criswell at Salem United Church of Christ, rural Martinsburg. 

Surviving are his beloved wife of 56 years; three sons: David B. (Monica) of Ozark, Alabama, Mark A. of New Enterprise, and Daniel P. of Hollidaysburg; a daughter, Karen E. Walker (Rich) of Williamsburg; and four grandchildren: Alura Cortez Whalen, Brian Whalen, Amy Walker and Alissa Walker.

            He was preceded in death by a sister, Coralie W. Stayduhar and brother-in-law, Martin J. Stayduhar.

            Bruce was a 1952 graduate of Morrison Cove High School and attended Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH.  He was a US Army veteran, serving from 1956-1958, attaining the rank of Specialist 4th Class.

            He retired as a Postage Clerk and Package Distributor from Westvaco (Government Postal Department), Williamsburg with 30 years of service.  Bruce also served as a licensed minister for the United Church of Christ, where he served at: St. Paul’s UCC, Trinity UCC, Yellow Creek UCC, Blue Knob UCC and the St. Clairsville Charge, which includes Imler UCC, Osterburg UCC, King UCC and Pavia UCC.

            Bruce enjoyed fixing cars and was an excellent mechanic.  He also loved gardening and growing and harvesting fruit trees.

            Friends will be received 5-8 pm, Monday, November 12, 2018, at Mt.  Pleasant United Church of Christ, rural Martinsburg, and from 9:30 until the 10:30 am service, Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at the church, Pastor Kenneth Downs officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at Mt. Pleasant Church Cemetery, rural Martinsburg.

            The family prefers memorial contributions be given to Mt. Pleasant United Church of Christ, 705 Auction Rd., Martinsburg, PA 16662.

            Arrangements are by John K. Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.

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