Richard Morris Whaley, age 71, passed away at his home in Mio, MI on November 18, 2015. He was
born in Owosso, MI, on March 2, 1944, to Dale and Velma (Sworthwood) Whaley. He graduated from
Mio High School in 1962. He married Linda Lixey, in June, 1966 and left for the army in July, 1966. He
honorably served his country doing one tour in Viet Nam with the 1st Infantry, February 1967 to
February 1968. Upon returning he worked as a reinforced ironworker until entering college in 1973. He
graduated from Northern Michigan University, December 1975, and worked for General Telephone as
an internal auditor. In 1977, he opened his own reinforcing steel labor company and continued to
operate it until his death.
In 1984, Dick moved his wife and family back to Mio, his favorite place on earth. He enjoyed hunting
and fishing with family and friends, coaching children in basketball and baseball, attending athletic
events, traveling and spending time with his family, and teaching his grandchildren about the out-of-
doors and nature.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda, his children Steve (Chantel) Blamer, Jim (Melissa) Whaley,
Kristi (Ty) McGregor, his grandchildren, Kaylea, Tayler, Scott, and Wyatt Blamer, James and Joseph
Whaley, and Mia and Ty McGregor II. Also, his father, Dale, his brothers James (Eathyl) Gilkens, Dale
(Deb) Whaley, sisters Mardell and Roanna Whaley, brother-in-Iaws Larry Baynham and Walt Lixey, and
his hunting dog and companion, Meg, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his
mother Velma Jackson, his sister Rebecca Baynham, and sister-in-law Cathy Lixey.
Visitation will be Friday, November 27,2015, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lashley Funeral Home and
Saturday, November 28, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church followed by a Mass
at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers Dick wanted memorials to The Wounded Warriors, The Purple Heart Society of Mio,
the Whaley Steel Scholarship Fund, in care of the Oscoda County Community Foundation, and Our Lady
of the Woods Shrine Restoration.
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