Lester Parker Whallon
Last Updated on February 11, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network
Lester “Les” Parker Whallon, 93, passed away in his cherished cabin in Allegan, Michigan, on Monday, January 26th. Born in Huntington, Indiana, on March 22, 1932, to Lucille and Albert Whallon, Les faced early loss when his father passed away during his infancy. He was raised by his stepfather, Everett “Pete” Carl, a man whom Les respected deeply.
In 1953, Les married Barbara JoAnne Pulley and raised four children together: Sue Moser, Leslie Smith, Mike Whallon, and Sarah Miller.
Les is survived by his sister, Phyllis Schultz; three of his children — Leslie Smith (John Ploskodniak), Mike Whallon (Brandi Jones), and Sarah Miller (Mark Miller); as well as 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved daughter, Sue Moser.
Les’s professional journey was marked by innovation and achievement. After beginning his career in the canning industry, he founded National Friction in Logansport, Indiana. Later, he and JoAnne co-founded Whallon Machinery in Royal Center, Indiana — a company that continues to thrive today as a successful cornerstone of the canning industry.
A man of boundless curiosity and adventure, Les lived life to its fullest. While in Puerto Vallarta, he reeled in a 370-pound blue marlin to earn second place in an international fishing contest, won the New York State Lottery, and was featured in the second issue of Money magazine. He even played basketball against James Dean in high school and like to let everyone know he “wasn’t very good”. He earned his pilot’s license and proudly owned a 1972 Piper Arrow (N4480T), traveling widely for both business and pleasure.
Despite his many travels across the globe, Les’s greatest adventure was the memorable journey co-captaining a cabin cruiser from Lake Michigan in Chicago down the Mississippi River to Venice, Louisiana, then through the Gulf of Mexico to Fort Myers, Florida. Though widely traveled, his favorite fishing destinations remained Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. A certified scuba diver, Les explored the waters of Mexico and the Caribbean with enthusiasm. Les also delighted in attending major sporting events, including the 1995 Super Bowl in Miami and the 2001 Rose Bowl, where he watched Purdue play Washington. He attended several Indianapolis 500 races as well, cheering on racing legends A.J. Foyt and Parnelli Jones.
Proud of his service, Les was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Mt. Etna Lodge and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. His inventive spirit led him to hold two patents — one for a full can palletizer and another for friction heat — both products of his sharp mind and lifelong curiosity.
Les built his beloved log cabin in the woods of Allegan, Michigan, inspired by his love for boating and weekends on Lake Michigan in New Buffalo. There, he found peace in simple pleasures — reading historical nonfiction, tracking the stock market, tinkering in the garage, watching Judge Judy, and observing wildlife from his glider on the porch. The cabin became a family haven, filled with gatherings, games of euchre, laughter, and his good-natured questions about the national debt. It remains the heart of countless treasured family memories.
Les Whallon’s life was one of intelligence, determination, and adventure — a life that embodied the rewards of working hard and dreaming boldly.
He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Condolences can be shared at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.