Lester Eugene Whaley

Lester Eugene Whaley, 90, of Franklin, IN, formerly of Beaverville, IL, Watseka, IL, Vancouver, WA and Lehigh Acres, FL passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community in Franklin, IN.

He was born March 20, 1936 in Watseka, Illinois to Vernon C. Whaley and Pauline (Armold) Whaley.

Lester married Elizabeth “Betty” (Harms) Whaley on September 26, 1954; she preceded him in death on June 30, 1975. He later married Barbara J. (Swick) Whaley on November 9, 1975 in Danville, IL, she survives.

He was a 1954 graduate of Donovan High School in Donovan, IL.

Lester in 1957 took a job at Beaverville Grain and Lumber. He later purchased and operated along with his brother-in-law and lifelong friend, Bud Sterrenberg, the Golden Rule Elevator and two additional grain elevators. They also farmed 1,300 acres for many years.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, IN.

Lester enjoyed his life, work and spending time with his family.

Surviving is his wife Barbara J. (Swick) Whaley of Franklin, IN, his children with Betty, Kim E. Hatfield Hall (Larry) of Kingston Springs, TN, Scott L. Whaley (Melanie) of Reidsville, NC and Mark D. Whaley (Sally) of Pilot Point, TX, Barbara’s children, Paula L. Schwarzwalder (Stephen) of South Elgin, IL and David W. Sharp (Gilda) of Freeport, FL, 16 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, son-in-law Michael W. Hatfield, brothers Howard Whaley and Wendell Whaley.

Chaplain Bob Newlin will conduct a celebration of life service on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 1PM at the Wright Chapel at Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community, 1070 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN with visitation from 12 Noon until service time at the Wright Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community, 1070 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN 46131 attention: Benevolent Fund.

Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

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