Daniel W. Wheldon

11/29/1933 - 05/03/2011

WHELDON,
Daniel W."Dan"

Dan left us on May 3, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 29, 1933 in Spokane to Frances and Ivan Wheldon. His passing will be mourned by his loving wife of 55 years, Dolores, his daughter, Shelly Tucker (husband Lindsey), his three sons, Rick (wife Kim), Steve (wife Traci), and Mike. He was blessed with five granddaughters that he cherished, Shamara, Kasia, Kelcey, Maci and Sally. He'll be equally missed by numerous nieces and nephews as well as by a large circle of close friends.

The youngest of four siblings, Dan attended school in the Spokane Valley and graduated in 1951 from Central Valley High School. He was hired by Pacific Northwest Bell after high school but was soon called to duty where he served his country in the Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, he returned to PNB where he remained for 38 years until his retirement. Dan met and fell in love with Dolores Royster in 1954 and they were married in 1955. Dan and Dee have wonderful memories from many places they lived during Dan's years with the phone company, from Coulee Dam to Oroville, to Omak to Yakima and finally back to Omak, which was considered "home" and where they raised their family. After retiring in 1990, they moved to Liberty Lake.

Dan was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and a loyal friend. He was also a proud patriot. He was involved in many service organizations and contributed boundless energy and know-how to countless volunteer projects. Dan enjoyed anything athletic. In his younger years he played church league basketball and later he coached a variety of sports teams. Family memories that revolve around Dan include campfires, clam digging and waterskiing. He was also an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. Some of his greatest joys were, spending time with his family and fishing at Priest Lake, afternoons with his golfing buddies and traveling in their RV. Dan was a true American and will be dearly missed.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at the Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church, 4102 S. Crestline on Tuesday, May 10th at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Woman's Club of Spokane, 1428 W. 9th Ave. from 12:30 -" 3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association or a favorite charity.