Thomas Landon Whalen went to meet his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 20, 2018. Tom was born on May 10, 1933 to Thomas and Alice Linard Whalen in Glendale, CA. He grew up and graduated from high school in the Eagle Rock area of Los Angeles. He completed a tour of duty with the U.S. Army and was station at Fort Lewis, WA. While in the service, Tom met Pauline Gilman. After his discharge, they were married on June 25, 1955 at the Ballard Free Methodist Church by Pauline’s uncle, Rev. Royal Nelson.
Tom attended Seattle Pacific College for one year and then the couple moved to Southern California. He attended Los Angeles Pacific College and graduated in 1960 with a degree in education. Tom then began a 28 year teaching career in which he would teach at the elementary through high school levels, including special education. In 2005, Tom and Pauline moved from Redding, CA to Nampa, ID.
Tom was a miniature train hobbyist and enjoyed playing all kinds of sports; when he was not a participant, he was the referee. Just a big kid himself, his primary passion throughout his life was working with students, from his formal classroom, to the church youth group, and Vacation Bible School after he retired. Tom was always willing to help and could always find a way to make everyone smile. His character matched his stature – larger than life.
Tom is survived by Pauline, his loving wife of 63 years; his daughter, Cynthia (Steve) Graham; his two sons, Thomas (Glenda) Whalen and Jeffrey (Penny) Whalen; six grandsons; and one granddaughter.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 10:00AM at Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, ID. A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 26, 2018 at 10:00AM at College Church of the Nazarene in Nampa, ID.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Thomas L. Whalen, please visit our floral store.