James J. "Jack" Whelchel

James J. “Jack” Whelchel, 86, of Fortville, passed away, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in McCordsville. He was born July 13, 1932, in Madison County, Indiana, to Dewey and Ruth L (Sherman) Whelchel.  Jack was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and graduated as valedictorian from the old Fortville High School in 1950.  Jack had served as a deacon and treasurer of the Fortville Christian Church.  He retired as an electrical engineer from Naval Avionics. While at Naval Avionics, he was part of the design team for the Polaris missile guidance system.  Jack also was involved in the joint Air Force/Navy SCADC program.

Jack is survived by his children, Teresa (Jim) Wolfgang of Fortville and James A. Whelchel of Indianapolis; grandchildren Jason (Jenna) Wolfgang, Christina (Jeremy Glasser) Wolfgang and Ryan (Ashley) Wolfgang; great-grandchildren: Ryker, Mayli and Lincoln Wolfgang; brother: Robert (Susan) Whelchel of Angola, Indiana.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte A. (Manship) Whelchel and brother Richard Whelchel.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at Seals Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fortville.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 16, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Rob Rigsbee of Fortville Christian Church officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow at Gravel Lawn Cemetery, Fortville.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Marine Toys for Tots.  Online condolences may be shared at sealsfuneralhome.com.  

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