James Dennis “Denny” Whalen

Oct 30, 2018 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2018 | 1 comment

October 28th,2018 while surrounded by family. Denny was born on November 7, 1942; in the Northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Holy Cross catholic grade school and was a member of Boy Scout troop 80. He attended Rockhurst High School Graduating in 1959 then continuing his education; graduating with an Associate’s degree from Penn Valley College in Kansas City, MO. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a gunner aboard the Cruiser USS Boston. Returning home to Kansas City, he married his 1959 Rockhurst prom date and the love of his life Mary Kathryn White on June 29, 1963. Being raised in the newspaper delivery industry, Denny continued the family legacy by becoming a successful Independent contract news carrier for the Kansas City Star for over 23 years. He then became an entrepreneur and was involved in several small business ventures over the years. Denny was a lifelong active parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church as well as being actively involved in many Rockhurst High School Alumni events, such as security organizer for Sale-o-Rama, and participated with his sons in Boy Scout troop 30 and becoming an honorary member of the Tribe of Mic-o-say. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard James Whalen and Sarah Ileene (Kerr) Whalen and infant daughter Mary Kelly Kathleen Whalen. Denny leaves behind his wife Mary of 55 years, their four children; Christopher Whalen USN (Ret.) (Tammy) of Porter, TX.; Jennifer McMahon (Timothy Casey) of Raymore, MO.; Timothy Whalen USCG (Ret.) (Sonya) Manassas, VA.; Dennis M. Whalen (Jeannette) of Kansas City, MO.; His 7 Grand Children: Jennifer, Jessica, Daniel, Scott, Drake, Cassandra and Megan; his 3 Great Grandchildren: Victoria, Collin, and Ivy. Denny also leaves behind his brother, Bradford Steven Whalen, his sisters, Ida Anne Sheall (Mike), and Sarah Kathleen Sargent (Larry), and several nieces & nephews. As well as, multiple beloved and spoiled pets. Denny had a special way of maintaining lifelong friendships and will be dearly missed.

A visitation will begin at 9:00am on Friday November 2, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church 8510 Wornall Rd KCMO 64114. Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 followed by Mass at 10am. Luncheon after mass in Church Basement. Burial at a later date at Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery In lieu of flowers please make donations to Wounded Warriors (www. woundedwarriorproject.org) or Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter (www.waysidewaifs. org).

Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.

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Christina Willis

5 years ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. Your memories will carry you through this difficult time. I entered his name in the Book of Remembrance at my local church, so he will be lifted up in prayer at every Mass. Sincerely, Christina Willis (Christine Dobson)

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