Joseph "Big Joe" Whelan Jr.

Joseph "Big Joe" Patrick Whelan Jr., age 71, of Little Rock died October 1, 2013. He was born on February 19, 1942 in East Orange, NJ to the late Joseph Patrick and Mary Josephine Whelan Sr. After attending Seaton Hall University for a year, he joined the US Air Force. Upon leaving the Air Force he followed his love of flight and received his pilots license. Big Joe piloted blimps for such companies as Goodyear, Met Life, and Budweiser to name a few. Secondary to his love of flight was his passion for his pets, Gittle, Daphne, Zipper, and Mean Bastard. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Betty Whelan, and his wife, Lynn Whelan. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Bridget and Erin Elizabeth Whelan both of Little Rock, his brother, John Joseph Whelan, his two sisters, Mary Morgan and Breeda Wahlers, and his grandchildren, Madison, Gage and Quin. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his girls, Becky Whelan as well as a host of cherished nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Humane Society of Pulaski County. Cremation Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.