Donald Whelchel

Donald Whelchel, 81, Sydney, ND died Thursday January 7, 2010 at his home south of Jamestown, ND.

Donald Whelchel was born January 31, 1928 in Salina, KS, the son of George Whelchel and Elizabeth (Weburg) Whelchel. He received his elementary education at the local school in Salina.

He entered the US Navy August 13, 1945. He served with the Seabee's during WWII and was honorably discharged August 9, 1946 at Norman, OK, with the rank of Seaman First Class.

He returned to Salina to continue farming. In 1972 he moved to Jamestown, ND where he owned and operated Don's Body Shop.

He and Lenora Wiest were married October 26, 1974 at Jamestown. They made their home in Jamestown until 1988 when they moved to a farm near Sydney, ND where they continued to reside.

He attended the First Baptist Church in Jamestown.

He is survived by his wife, Lenora, Sydney, ND; his children, Ronald (Twila) Whelchel, Esbon, KS; Kathy Fairbanks, Sedgewick, KS; Virginia (Jeff) Brown; Wallace Wiest; MariAnn (Troy) Letcher; Dennis (Eva) Wiest, all of Jamestown, ND; 1 daughter-in-law, Marla Whelchel, Salina, KS; 17 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and 1 brother, Roger (Joyce) Whelchel, Solomon, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son Donald, 2 sisters, 1 brother and 1 grandson.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday January 12, 2010 at the Haut Funeral Chapel in Jamestown, ND with Rev. Wayne Bangs, officiating.

Visitation: 9-8 Monday January 11, 2010 at the funeral Home.