Richard Whelan

Richard J. Whelan, Overland Park, KS, 83, former professor and dean at the University of Kansas, died at University of Kansas Hospital, on January 9, 2015.

He was born June 23, 1931 in Emmett, Kansas to the late Richard Joseph and Margaret Alma Cox-Whelan. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1949. Dr. Whelan served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as an Instructor of Radar Electronics and Computer Systems at the Army's Radar and Guided Missile School.

On November 21, 1959, Richard was united in marriage to Carol Ann King in Topeka, Kansas.

Richard graduated from Washburn University in 1955 where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. In 1966, he earned the doctoral degree in special education, psychology, and research from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Whelan served on the staff of the Children's Hospital of the Menninger Clinic. He joined the faculty of the University of Kansas Medical Center and served as Instructor of Psychiatry, Professor of Special Education and Pediatrics, and the Ralph L. Smith Distinguished Professor of Child Development. He also held positions at both campus sites as a department chair, dean of a graduate school division, Director of Education at the Children's Rehabilitation Unit at the medical center, and Dean of the School of Education. He also served as Director of the Division of Personnel Preparation for the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Washington, D.C. while on academic leave from the University. In addition to university responsibilities, Dr. Whelan also served as a special education due-process hearing officer and trainer; and a Kansas Supreme Court mediator and mediator trainer.

Dr. Whelan held numerous board memberships and served as a consultant to psychiatric hospitals, universities, government agencies, schools and other education related organizations. During his career, he served on publication boards and held offices in state and professional organizations. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, and has been recognized by Leaders in Education, Who's Who in America, and Outstanding Educators of America. He received leadership and service awards from several professional organizations.

After retiring from the University of Kansas, Dr. Whelan served as a consultant to the Blue Valley Public Schools and the Kansas State Department of Education. His hobbies included historical research, various sports, especially golf, and being a pilot.

Richard is survived by his wife, Carol of the home; one son Mark Richard (Virginia) of Overland Park, KS, and one daughter Cheryl Lynne Whelan-Fox (Craig) of Topeka, KS. Also surviving are two grandsons, Ian Richard and Logan Joseph Whelan.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to remember him may contribute to the R. Joseph and Margaret A. Cox-Whelan scholarship fund at the Washburn University Endowment Association, 1729 Southwest MacVicar Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604, or the Richard J. and Carol K. Whelan scholarship fund at the University of Kansas Endowment Association, 1891 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66047.