David Clyde Whalen, age 80, of Kennewick, WA, left this world on September 18, 2023. He was born to Clyde and Barbara Whalen on September 11, 1943 in Bellingham, WA. His mother died a short 6 years later. He grew up on Lyden Birch Bay Road, went to school in Custer and graduated from Ferndale High School in 1961. David lived and worked with Jack and Lola Whalen for several years as a truck driver. In 1963 he married Burnetta Bradley of Moxee. They had two children, Ginnel and David Todd Whalen.

He worked for Superior Asphalt as a truck driver and mechanic shop foreman. He also worked for Safeway Rental Equipment as shop foreman in Yakima.

David bought Big Toe Truck and Auto Salvage of Kennewick in 1978, which he owned and operated for 28 years. He was also a contractor and developed rental acreage and homes for 40 years.

He was a member of Moose 482 for 45 years. His interest was raising his own beef every year for 50 years. He spent many years at RW Fishing in Kenai River Alaska and hunting in White Apache Mountains, Arizona. He and his wife traveled to Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and all the states except 5 on the East Coast. His annual trip to the Oregon Coast was a must. His favorite thing was working and to harass his beloved grand and great-grandsons.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Barbara Whalen; step-mother, Helen; sister, Diane Leitz; brothers, Larry, Bob, Mark, and Jeff Whalen; brother-in-law, Bob Leitz; son, David Todd Whalen; and grandson, Brent Whalen.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Burnetta. Also his brother, Jerry (Donna) Whalen of Idaho; Greg Whalen of Oklahoma; daughter Ginnel (Dane) Childers and; grandsons, Mark Childers Sr. and Jamie; great-grandsons, Mark Jr. and Mason Childers of Hermiston; grandson Rhett (Christine) Whalen and their son Eli.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, starting at 12:00pm at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremation, Kennewick, WA.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the National Alliance for Mentally Ill

NAMI Tri-Cities

PO Box 1135

Richland, WA