Reggie Whalen

Reginald Ray Whalen, known affectionately as Reggie, age 75, of Chalk Bluff, passed away Wednesday afternoon, April 23, 2025 at his residence, surrounded by his wife and children.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in West, with Dr. John Crowder officiating. Burial will follow at Vaughan Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel.

Reggie was born March 21, 1950, in Hillsboro, the son of Weldon and Bettye Sue (Hudson) Whalen. A proud 1968 graduate of West High School, Reggie pursued his passion for education at Hill College before graduating from Southwest Texas State University in 1972. He would go on to earn a Master's Degree in Education, followed by principal and superintendent certifications that would shape his remarkable career. On August 14, 1971, Reggie married his beloved wife, Martha Ann Psencik, in Hillsboro. Together they formed a partnership built on love and shared values, which flourished throughout their years together. Reggie was a member of the First Baptist Church in West, where his faith played an integral role in his life. Reggie dedicated over 25 years to public education, with esteemed roles as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent in several districts, including Chilton, Westphalia, Mt. Calm, and Holland. His influence in the lives of countless students and educators was profound, and his commitment to fostering a bright future for the youth of his community will be remembered fondly. Outside of his professional life, Reggie was a man of many passions. He loved spending time fishing and hunting in the great outdoors, enjoyed the challenge of a good game of poker, and took great joy in supporting his grandchildren at their various activities. Travel experiences brought happiness to him and his family.

Reggie is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronnie Whalen and his wife Linda.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Martha Ann Whalen of Chalk Bluff; children, Wendy Ellis and husband Daniel of Aquilla, Weldon Whalen and wife Alyson of Bynum, and Whitney Carter and husband Brent of China Spring; his grandchildren who affectionately knew him as "Baboo", Callie, Kenzi, and Kacey Carter, Annie, Mattie, and Ellie Joy Whalen, and Joseph Ellis; a foster grandson, Kam Vega; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Active pallbearers are Weldon Whalen, Daniel Ellis, Jospeh Ellis, Brent Carter, J. Fagner, and Clay Simmons. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Grumpy Old Men's Fishing Club - Tommy Ryno, John Hudson, Mike Clements, and Stan Kuhn and the West High School Class of 1968.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Texans On Mission or the First Baptist Church of West Building Fund.