Raymond Whelchel

Raymond Eugene Whelchel (Gene), a wonderful and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, of Urbandale, passed away March 21, 2010 at the VA Community Living Center.

Gene was born November 22, 1948, in Perry, IA, the son of William and Patricia Whelchel. After graduation from Hobbs High in Hobbs, NM, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam from September 1, 1969 to August 31, 1970 in Delta Company, 4th Infantry Division. Gene was truly a hero.

After his service, Gene attended the University of Santa Fe and received a teaching degree in English and Spanish. He later moved to Des Moines and married Chom Pok Yi wife of 29 years. He attended Drake University in Des Moines to become a CPA. But after the birth of his daughter, Logan, in September of 1986, he decided to join his wife in the cosmetology industry. They ran a salon together for more than 20 years.

Gene was a man of many talents. He enjoyed being outdoors, riding his motorcycle, doing home improvements, reading, playing the guitar, and writing poetry and songs. He possessed many unique qualities that are rare today. Gene will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

He is survived by his wife, Chom; daughter, Logan; son, Garrick; mother, Patricia; brothers, Bill, Dick, Jack, and Steve; sisters, Patti Ann, Anastasia, and Julia; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, William.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA, Tuesday, March 23, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held in the same location Wednesday, March 24 at 2 p.m. Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Please contact Hamilton’s at 515-224-0078 for more information.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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