Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Francis Whalen, Jr., 69, of Louisa County departed this life on Saturday, February 23, 2007 at Amerisist Assisted Living in Louisa. He was born June 21, 1938 in Englewood, New Jersey to the late Thomas Francis and Myrtle Thorpe Whalen.

He served two tours in Vietnam in the United States Marine Corp and retired after serving over 20 years in the military. During his military career he earned various medal and ribbons including The Vietnam Service Ribbon, Bronze Star for Heroism, Navy Marine Corp medal for Valor, The Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and Pistol Marksman Badge.

After retiring, he became a Deputy Sheriff in Stafford County, member of the SWAT Team, a Patrolman and an instructor at the Rappahannock Criminal Justice Academy.

His survivors are: his wife, Mildred Wills Whalen; son, Thomas Patrick (Shannon)Whalen ; step sons, Victor Wills and Jim (Marsha) Wills; step daughters, Melissa Wills and Chris (Wally) Emory; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

The Full Honor Military Burial will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Louisa.