Obituary of Leroy Franklin Whelan

Leroy F. Whelan, Sr., "Bud" 87, of Dowagiac, passed away surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, following injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born on April 2, 1927 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to the late Leslie E. and Laura Bell (Thomson) Whelan. On August 23, 1946 Leroy married Joan Cupp at a ceremony in St. Joseph. "Bud" was a World War 2 Navy Veteran serving aboard the U.S.S. Wasp in both the Pacific and Atlantic theater. He also served aboard the U.S.S. San Diego during the Korean War where he was injured and later discharged as a result of his injuries. Leroy owned and operated Yerrington Concrete, Southwest Materials and Leasing, Speidel Foundation and Marine Construction, Whelan Construction. He was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church and St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Benton Harbor. Bud was a hunter and fisherman when he was not spending time traveling, enjoying his family or relaxing at his cabin in Northern Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan Whelan in 2011 and a sister Dorothy Patzer. Leroy is survived by two sons Micheal (Diane) Whelan of Traverse City, Michigan and Leroy F. (Nancy) Whelan Jr. of Hartford, Michigan, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place and will be remembered by his family with a memorial service in late spring.