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Thomas W. 'Tom' Whelchel Riverside, CA QCWA # 31898 Chapter 177 |
THOMAS W. "TOM" WHELCHEL, a longtime resident of Riverside, CA, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 4, 2015. Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Tom joined the ROTC while studying Civil Engineering at the University of New Mexico in 1942. He played football and was honored as MVP of the 1944 Sun Bowl, where he played all 60 minutes as both an offensive and defensive lineman. He moved to Riverside with his wife Nan after serving as an officer in the Navy in both World War II and the Korean War. Tom was Assistant Purchasing Agent for Riverside County for over 20 years, retiring in 1986. Tom was a lifelong ham radio operator, known on the air as WA6TLL. He was active in the Riverside County Amateur Radio Association, and helped several ham networks that served sailboats traversing the Pacific Ocean. Tom was a faithful member of All Saints Episcopal Church. He is survived by his daughter Judy; his son Jim; daughter-in-law Lui; and two grandchildren, Michael and Sharon. Because of his deep faith in Christ, the family is assured that they will one day be reunited in the presence of his Savior. A Graveside service will be held on Monday, October 12 at 10am at Olivewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Salvation Army or Riverside Mission.
Published in Press-Enterprise on Oct. 9, 2015