John Joseph Whelan

John Joseph Whelan, 90 years old, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away on March 12, 2019. Born in Newark, New Jersey to Mary Josephine and Joseph Patrick Whelan, John grew up in East Orange, New Jersey before moving to Arkansas in 1963. There he met his beloved wife of 54 years, Rebecca Cooper Whelan and eventually settled in Hot Springs where they raised their three children. John attended Rutgers University and served in the United States Army. In his young adulthood he was a professional golfer and then worked in real estate management for Cooper Communities until retirement. He loved spending time with his family and friends, traveling, gardening and had a deep passion for golf. John's joy for life was contagious; he was authentic to the core. He never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. He cherished his Irish heritage; telling stories and more than willing to sing "Danny Boy" at the drop of a hat. His beautiful tenor voice was the centerpiece of many occasions, both happy and sad. Many would call John a character, but all would call him a man of character. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, John's spirit will live on in their hearts. John was predeceased by his parents and three siblings, Elizabeth Wahlers, Mary Morgan and Joseph Whelan. Surviving are his wife, Rebecca Cooper Whelan; three loving children; Mildred Whelan Fuller of New Orleans, La., John Joseph Whelan Jr. of Hot Springs, Ark., and Rebecca DeLacey Whelan of Hot Springs, Ark.; his four cherished grandchildren; John Joseph Whelan III, Josie Allison Whelan, Rebecca Belle Fuller and Jillian Pearl Fuller; his dear sister, Breeda Wahlers; his invaluable caretaker, Darlene Noles; as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends. At John's request, we will celebrate his spirit filled life and heritage with a joyful Irish Wake at a later determined date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ouachita Children's Center, www.occnet.org, or The Alzheimers Foundation of America, www.alzfdn.org/support-us/donate. For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.caruth-hale.com.