Mark T. Whaley
Last Updated on June 21, 2024 by Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home
Mark T. Whaley, 65, Logansport, passed away at 2:03 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, in Chase Center.
Mark was the fifth of eight children, born in Logansport to Vernon and Emogene Whaley, who both preceded him in death.
He graduated from Logansport High School in 1977. By that time, he was already working and did so until his health forced retirement. His most notable positions were at Exide Battery Corporation and Small Parts, Inc.
He was married to Carol L. Tulli on March 30, 1996.
For as long as his family can remember, he was a tinkerer. Being so mechanical, he thoroughly enjoyed building and fixing bicycles. He took this passion to the community and was known around town as “The Bike Man.” Mark loved to help the children that would come to him with their broken bikes and teach them how to fix them. He was also known to give bicycles away to ones who couldn’t afford it. At the end of the day, he just loved to see kids happy and having fun on a bike that he built or fixed. He once built a special bike for a young girl who had a rare condition that affected her growth. The bike that he built was custom as one with necessary measurements did not exist. Her huge smile was all the thanks he needed. This goes for the many people he helped throughout his years.
Mark was known to be very quirky, outgoing, and eccentric. He was such a character, which is something he would admit to. He was constantly telling stories of all the different adventures he had in his life and was great at it. He was very passionate, and this was shown through his expressive storytelling. Many memories of Mark amongst friends and family members are of sharing stories and laughing throughout.
He was also passionate about music. He played guitar, built multiple of his own, sang at local bars on open mike nights, and collected hundreds of records and other unique instruments. Besides music, his other hobbies consisted of antiquing and watching sports. You can find a song he wrote on YouTube titled “Ode to Peyton Manning,” where he not only showed his love for music but love for his team, the Indianapolis Colts. He was also a die-hard Cincinnati Reds fan and collected all things Pete Rose. His man cave, he called the “Boom-Boom Room,” showcased these hobbies with all he had accumulated.
He was loved by many, endearingly called “KooKoo” by his grandchildren, who he cared for deeply. In his final years, especially with his health decreasing, they were what he looked forward to most.
Mark is survived by his wife, Carol, sons, Brent (Heather) Whaley of Logansport, Nick Whaley of Logansport, Michael (Bri) Ditto of Peru, and daughter Krista (Travis) Lawler of Logansport; grandchildren, Kali (Keith) Rhine, Isabella Ditto, Mary Lawler, and Abbi Rance; siblings, Kris Gilbert of Seymour, Rita (Hollis) Moor of Twelve Mile, Janice Lomax of Logansport, Theresa (Tom) McIntosh of Logansport, Mary Keenan of Rochester, MI, Steve (Peggy) Whaley of Logansport, and Charles (Ann) Whaley of Nashville.
A Celebration of Life will be announced and held at a later date.
Condolences can be shared at Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home’s website.