John Emmett "Jack" Whaylen Jr. formerly of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Tuesday afternoon, October 4, 2011, in the Baptist Village of Oklahoma City at the age of 94 years.

John Emmett "Jack" Whaylen Jr. was born on July 10, 1917, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to John Emmett and Lenore (Somerville) Whaylen. He grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools graduating in 1935. He furthered his education by attending Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa. Following his education he began working for Beech Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, for two years, where he met his future wife, Virginia Lee Hodges. They were married on May 30, 1943, in the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell. In 1944 they moved to Blackwell to make their home and he owned and operated a construction business until 1969. He then began working for the Blackwell Public Schools as Director of Maintenance and Transportation until his retirement in 1984. He continued to work for the school system for two more years on a part-time basis. His wife preceded him in death on May 14, 1991, and he continued to make Blackwell his home until moving to Oklahoma City to be near family. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell and was active for twenty-one years on the Blackwell Planning Commission and Adjustment Board. He also served his community for two terms as Commissioner of Public Property and Utilities and held membership in the Rotary Club.

He is survived by two sons, Tom Whaylen and wife Judy of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Steve Whaylen of Yukon, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Trent Whaylen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ryan Whaylen and wife Cinda of Houston, Texas, Trisha Ryan and husband David of San Diego, California, and Allison McMartin and husband Josh of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and six great grandchildren, Sydney, Brandon and Braydon Whaylen, Haley and Hannah Ryan and Maddux McMartin.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Grace Walker.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8th in the First Presbyterian Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Eric Dittman officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

The family will greet visitors from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday evening, October 7th at Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Blackwell Public School Foundation in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.