He was born on January 19, 1950 in Cullman, Alabama to Woodrow and Lillie Mae (Sullins) Whaley.
He married Crystal Reynolds on November 23, 1974 in Glasford.
Owl is survived by his wife of 46 years; two sons, Donald Jr. and William (fiancée Angela Adams); six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; and one sister in law, Kristine Germain.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Anny Mae.
Owl was a Farmington High School graduate, class of 1968 and then went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1968-1972. He worked at Caterpillar as a pipefitter until retiring in 2001. After retirement he worked part time for several years at Gander Mountain.
He was the former Police Commissioner in Glasford, was member of the Glasford Village Board for 32 years and a member of the Timber Hollis Fire Department for 10 years. Owl was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Davison-Fulton Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin. Military honors will be accorded following the visitation. Cremation will be accorded following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Donald Whaley Sr. Memorial Fund, care of the Glasford State Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.davisonfultonwoolsey.com
