Carl Leroy Whaley

Carl Leroy Whaley was born June 24, 1938, in Hopkins, Missouri, to Merle (Pat) Mary O’Riley and Harley (Bud) Ivan Whaley. As a baby Carl's father gave him the nick name of 'Little Captain', then shortened to 'Cap', that he went by in the Hopkins area for the remainder of his life. His brothers Robert Whaley and Nelson Whaley were all raised on the family farm, where they grew an array of crops, and cared for pigs, chickens, cows, and farm dogs and cats. Carl 's education began in a single room schoolhouse, where he later graduated from Hopkins High School in 1956 as Class President.                 While visiting his uncle in McMinnville, Oregon, Carl met the love of his life, Eileen Delores Potter, while cherry picking. The two tied the knot on February 14, 1958, on Valentine’s Day, and spent 59 years of marriage together. Carl joined the United States Air Force in 1957, where he served for 22 years. He was stationed in various places in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Together Carl and Eileen raised two daughters: Vicki Lynn (Schleupner) and Valerie Louise (Matazzoni), as a family they enjoyed camping and sightseeing throughout Europe and the United States. While in the Air Force Carl earned the Air Force Good Conduct Medal(s), Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Award, and other various awards and recognition from the Security Service Group he served with.                 After retiring from the Air Force in 1979, Carl and Eileen moved back to Oregon, residing in Salem. The two became campground hosts at Fishermen's Bend on the Santiam River where they became acquainted with the area. Falling in love with the terrain and the wildlife the area provided, the two found their forever home in 1986, and moved to the Elkhorn Valley on the Little North Santiam River. They enjoyed all that the river offered; going tubing, nature walks, lush environment to grow flowers, feeding the critters, and watching the river and meeting several dear, lifelong friends.                  Upon moving back to Oregon, he worked various salesmen jobs. Not being the salesman type, he decided to attend Western Oregon State College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in mental health/counseling. While working on his degrees he started an internship program, then a Work Study Program at the Salem Vet Center, ultimately working at the Salem Vet Center full time. While working there he became Team Leader for the center. Carl found his calling helping his fellow veterans by giving them someone to talk to about their experiences, who really understood what they were going through. He also spent time at several Native American reservations around Oregon, counseling veterans and was welcomed at many Pow Wows. Even after his retirement from the VA he continued to work for the Vet Center as a subcontracted councilor.                 Carl had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed traveling and sightseeing, flowers and gardens, bird watching, carving, cooking, and taste testing, reading, crossword puzzles, or just being a beach bum, spending his time on the coast. Where he and Eileen owned a condo at Neskowin, and the whole family would spend many Fourth of July celebrations there. Carl continued to own part of the family farm in Hopkins, Missouri and would make a trek at least once or twice a year. The trips to Missouri were filled with class reunions, family luncheons, visiting with friends and family, many scenic side trips, and working to keep the land free of thistle and cedar. Most of the acreage is dedicated to the Conservation Reserve Program, with the goal of restoring the land to native prairie grasses and flowers. Carl was a member of the Coastal Carvers being the President for a few years and belonged to the USAF Security Service.                  On September 5, 2017, Eileen passed away, leaving a hole in Carl’s heart that he thought could never be filled again.  With the passing of Eileen, Karen Shuford, who had been his neighbor on the Little North Santiam River for over 30 years, helped with him through the grieving process where they became steadfast companions. On May 1st of 2021 Carl and Karen had a commitment ceremony to officialize their life companion titles. Karen was welcomed into Carl’s family, and the Karen's family were just as welcoming. Karen remained his life companion until his unexpected and untimely passing.                 Carl Leroy Whaley passed away August 14, 2021, in Salem, Oregon. He was quick witted and had a wealth of knowledge. He loved ice cream and pie and never said no to a cookie. He would often take the scenic route to anywhere whenever he had the chance to do so. Carl was a cat lover; some would describe him as a true cat whisperer. Carl was infamous within his family and friends as a master instigator of mischievousness, and he will be deeply missed.                 He is survived by Karen Shuford, his life partner. Vicki and Christopher Schleupner (daughter and son-in-law) and granddaughters Erin W Schleupner and Nora W Schleupner. Valerie and Fred Matazzoni (daughter and son-in-law) and granddaughter Katherine W Matazzoni, step-granddaughters Danielle Matazzoni and Regina Matazzoni and great-grandson Finn Matazzoni. Many cousins and family members and beloved friends around the country.  He was preceded in death by his spouse, Eileen Delores (Potter) Whaley, parents Bud and Pat Whaley, his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Kathryn Whaley, his sister Mary Louise Whaley, and his uncles and their spouses Joseph and Lois Whaley and Roy and Mabel Whaley.