David Lee Whelchel Jr.

Whelchel, David Lee Jr. age 80, died February 5th , 2018. Preceded in death by his parents RADM David Whelchel and Margaret Ringer Whelchel. Survived by his spouse, Katherine Whelchel, his daughter Jennifer Louise (partner Jeff Tarnowski) and son Damon Longstreet (wife Yue Yu); grandson Hunter Jones (partner Alexandra Torgerson); great grandson Javon Jonathan Jones .

David passed into his larger life after a courageous but short battle with colon cancer. A graduate Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington DC, he attended Pomona College (Claremont CA).

Dave was an expert on military history and a direct descendant of General James Longstreet. His primary career was in defense procurement for RCA and Control Data. He also did purchasing for Wells Fargo.

Dave’s passion was aviation and, as a certified flight instructor, he taught students at the Blaine County airport. He was a member of the Sons & Daughters of WWII Submarine Veterans, the Aztec Society, the AOPA Foundation (American Owners & Pilots Assn.), and a founding member of CIPS (The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply) in England.

Dave was a man of integrity, insight, and independence who was much loved by his family and friends. A memorial Eucharist will be celebrated on Saturday, April 7 at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral (519 Oak Grove St. Minneapolis), 1 pm, followed by a reception celebrating his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Lion-Heart Scholarship Fund at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, the AOPA Foundation, or the charity of the donor’s choice.