Reverend Father Peter James Whalen, born July 24, 1939, passed away in peace early Sunday morning December 13, 2020. Leaving our world and becoming one with God on the Lord’s day, it is a fitting way to look into the life that is Peter James Whalen.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Whalen, daughter Christi Canada (Jared), and son Christopher Whalen (Davina). Also survived by his two sisters Joan Whalen and Sue Carlson and her two sons Jason and Aaron Carlson.
Peter lived a life larger than himself. Father Peter enjoyed many pastimes such as fishing, sailing, and BBQ. Whether it was sailing in the Gulf of Mexico or in the lakes of Tennessee, he found peace in God’s water creation. He enjoyed teaching his daughter and son how to sail and fish. To enjoy BBQ more fully, Peter and his son trained as Kansas City BBQ judges. They traveled around the South tasting and learning about the amazing art of cooking meat.
Father Peter was a man of the community but most of all he was a servant in God’s community. He served the Lord as Priest for over 50 years in many parishes, both Roman Catholic and Episcopal. For almost 40 years he served in the Diocese of Tennessee. He served as Rector of St. Philip's in Donelson, chair of the Commission on Ministry, and Priest-in-charge at Church of the Redeemer, Shelbyville. He also served at Grace Episcopal Church in Spring Hill, Episcopal Church of Epiphany in Lebanon, and St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, in Fayetteville until shortly before his death.
Father Peter touched many lives in numerous ways. He would always find ways to offer help to individuals in need. He also offered guidance and support to individuals during times of stress. He was a man always involved with outreach programs that provided food and shelter to those who were less fortunate. He participated on committees that funded and built playgrounds in parks for children. He was active in the Ecumenical Movement for the Diocese and locally. He was active in the Ministerial Associations in the towns of his parishes. He served on many boards in his community including; Good Samaritan, SCSK - Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen, Cross Shelter, Caregivers Relief Program. He supported Women of Grace and enjoyed the faith sharing at CBS - Community Bible Study. Father Peter loved God, his church, his brother/sister Pastors, & his community.
When he concluded his ministry at Church of the Redeemer, Father Peter said: "I am always willing to help out if called upon… God has given me a gift and I'm more than willing to share that as long as there is a need that I can fulfill.”
Please, as we now lay Peter to rest, come join us to celebrate his life, memory, and mission to help others. Services are listed below:
April 19 Wednesday at 2:00 pm with Reverend Canon Johnathan (Jody) Howard & Fr. Micheal Blaess at: The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 203 E. Lane St. Shelbyville TN 37160 Visitation will be from 12:30 till 1:30 p.m.
The Diocean celebration will be April 22 at 10 a.m. with Bishop John Baurschmidt & Reverend Canon Johnathan (Jody) Howard at: The Episcopal Church of St. Philip 85 Fairway Dr. Nashville TN 37160. No visitation.
Father Peter would be honored with memorials given: Caregiver Relief Program of Bedford County, P.O. Box 584, Shelbyville, Tennessee 37162 Good Samaritan Food Bank, 201 E. Highland Ave. Shelbyville TN 37160 SCSK Shelbyville Community Soup Kitchen P.O. Box 2250, Shelbyville, TN 37162, or to your local food bank
Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
