Danny Kay Whelchel, age 71, died Saturday, December 17, 2022, in Huntsville, Arkansas. He was born in Fullerton, California on February 9, 1951 to James Avis and Audrey (Kisor) Whelchel. Danny married the love of his life and best friend, Leah (Hafferlder) Whelchel on August 2, 1997. They celebrated 25 years of marriage on August 2nd this year.

He was a member of the Church of Christ, American Legion, VFW, Freemason, he was in the USN from 1969 to 1989 and in the Vietnam war, spending over 20 years in the USN, He was a Master Sheet Metal Mechanic, nothing on an airplane he couldn't fix and did fix, USN Retired as an E6, 1st Class Association. Last job before retiring in 2009 was a Director of Maintenance at a small Aircraft Business.

He is survived by his wife Leah Whelchel; sons, Michael Shane "Grumpy" Baxter of Hillsboro, Texas, Chris Sutherland of Arizona, John Ford and Steven VanBrunt, both of Huntsville, Arkansas; 6 daughters, Caryn Henry, Camilyn Sutherland, Megan Whelchel, all of Washington, Carol Brown of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Jessica Scott of Springdale, Arkansas, Rebecca VanBrunt of Huntsville; Steve Bowers of Fayetteville; sister, Joy Cooper of North Carolinia; 17 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Adam Whelchel; stepfather, Lloyd Bowers; two sisters, Janice Bowers and Vickie Mason; three brothers, Ken Whelchel, Clifton Bowers and Jerry Bowers.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Japton Church of Christ in Wesley, Arkansas.