Eugene Richard Whalen, 100, of Columbia, KY passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Johnson City, NY on March 2, 1924, to the late John Joseph Whalen and Eva Lena "Evelyn" (Shuman) Whalen Howard. He was preceded in death by his wife Grettis Marie Moore Blackburn Cameron Whalen.

Mr. Whalen was a member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, a veteran of World War II serving in the U. S. Navy, and a retired Railroad Engineer for CSX Railroad. He was a certified Amateur Ham Operator and enjoyed traveling, fishing, tinkering and fixing things, and spending time with his family and friends that loved him dearly.

Survivors include a daughter Sheryl Yeadon of Mitchell, IN; a son Michael Whalen of Mississippi and two nephews, raised as their own Bill Moore of West Virginia and Joe Moore of Morehead, KY.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a daughter Karen Davis, a sister Janice Whalen Larmer, a brother Theodore Joseph Whalen and a sister-in-law Jean Moore.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Monday, September 23, 2024, at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with burial in the Moore Family Cemetery in Pilgrim, KY on Tuesday at 1:00pm.

Visitation will be on Monday after 9:00am at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.