Donald Lee Whaley, 88, of Benton, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022, at the his residence.

He was born on June 19, 1933, to Elmer and Clara (Olgelsby) Whaley in Rend City, IL. On July 19, 1957, he married Betty Wilkerson and she preceded him in death on June 1, 2021. Mr. Whaley was a veteran, where he served in the United States Army.

Donald was member of Palestine Baptist Church in Whittington, IL and a member of the United Mine Workers of America Local 1545.

He loved gardening, hunting and fishing and tending to his grandchildren.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Cindy Lynn Livesay of Benton, IL; his son, Ronald (Julle) Dale Whaley of Benton, IL; four granddaughters, Dawn (Timothy) Renee Vandom, Stacy Lynn Mclaughlin, Megan (Ian) Marlow and Molly (Mark) Uhles; three great-granddaughters, Whitney Chloe Whaley, Sophia June Marlow and Ellie Mae Uhles; four great-grandsons, Ty Michael Miller, Austin Dale Miller, Brett Nathaniel Merkel and Lucas Scott Marlow; two great-great-grandsons, Phoenix Tyler Beal and Maverick James Vallow and one brother, Max Whaley of Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Clara Whaley; his wife, Betty Lou Whaley; and six brothers and one sister.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Lance Thackery, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Franklin Cemetery, Whittington, IL, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control and will be accepted at the funeral home..

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.