Arthur G. Whaley

Arthur G. Whaley, 91, of Oak Harbor, Ohio, died Wednesday at Magruder Hospital, Port Clinton. He was born in Oak Harbor on April 29, 1916, the son of Edgar & Clara (Wistinghausen) Whaley. A 1934 graduate of Oak Harbor High School, Art lettered in football, basketball, track, and band. He held the school high jump record for over 40 years. He earned his Eagle Scout during his senior years, and was active in scouting for over 50 years, starting several troops. Art was honored by the Boy Scouts when they presented him with the Silver Beaver award. On December 3, 1938, he married his class-mate, the former Gerry Herring, who preceded him in death in November of 1980. Art operated a welding and blacksmith business in Oak Harbor, and also owned a Sunoco service station for several years. In 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy SeaBees and served in the Marshall Islands and Okinawa. After the war, he operated his business for several years and then was employed at the former Erie Ordinance Depot. After the closing of E.A.D., he worked at the Sandusky plant of Ford Motor Company. Art was a founding member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8732, Oak Harbor, where he served as commander. He was also an active member of American Legion Post #114, Oak Harbor, where he served as commander for six terms. Art was also a long time member of the Oak Harbor Fire Department where he served as assistant chief and chief. He was instrumental in founding the current Portage Fire District, and served as president of the board for 18 years. He was also a member of the Cooties, and was a long time member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor. In December of 1991, Art married Bette Bryant, and she survives. Also surviving are his children, Sandi (Roger) King, Janet (Keith) Herbert, Mary Lynne (Ernie) Hall; step children, Sherrill (Matt) Johnson, Jimmie (Lana) Bryant, Timmie Bryant, Eddie (Anita) Bryant, and Shelly (John) Bergman; 28 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Friends may call from 2-8 P.M. Friday at the Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, where the family will be present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. Joint V.F.W. and American Legion services will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor, with interment in Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor. American Legion Post #114 and V.F.W. Post #8732 will conduct military graveside rites. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post #114, V.F.W. Post #8732, Portage Fire District, or Mid-County E.M.S. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH