Herman Whaling

Herman Whaling, 91, a resident of Bluefield, Virginia, for the last 19 years and Bluewell, West Virginia for 45 years, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at his home with family. 

Born on August 24, 1926, at Eckman, West Virginia, he was the son of James and Muriel Foster Whaling of Eckman.   He served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS John L. Williamson, DE-370 patrolling the Marshall Islands. He returned to Eckman and married Mary Jane Parks Whaling.   He was a coal miner for Eastern Coal Associates for over 35 years, an active member of the UMWA for over 60 years, and 50 year member and Past Master of the Bailey Masonic Lodge 137 in Montcalm and a member of Bluewell Methodist Church.  Herman was a cancer survivor for 43 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with friends and family.  His positive outlook and continuous smile shared with those around him will always be cherished.

In addition to his parents, and wife of 70 years, Mary Jane, he was preceded in death by siblings Charlie, Dallas, Fred, Carol and Sylvia Whaling. 

Survivors include his two daughters, Sandra Elswick (Lee) of Bluefield, VA and Donna McNeil (Tom) of Advance, NC; four grandsons, Bryan (Miliette) McNeil, Chris (Beth) Elswick, Bradley (Yvonne) McNeil, and Todd Elswick; two granddaughters, Sarah Elswick and Alison (Austin) Speas; five great-grandchildren, Bryce Dickerson, Alexandria Elswick, Weston Speas, Myles McNeil, and Paisley Speas; brother Frank (Shirley) Whaling of Martinsville, VA; sisters Mildred Belcher of Princeton, Virgie Musick of Kimball, Eva Schroeter and Ruth (Ray) Uhalde of Falls Church, VA, Freda (Bill) Higdon of Springfield, VA and many nieces, nephews,  friends and neighbors.     

Funeral services and visitation will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018.  Visitation will begin at 11a.m. and the service will begin at 1 p.m. at Craven-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell led by Rev. Mike Routh of Pasadena, Maryland. Veteran and Masonic rites will be part of the service as well.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.  Pallbearers will be grandsons and special friends.                                 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bluewell United Methodist Church or to your favorite charity.

Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.