Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Roger King Whetzel, 93, a two-year resident of Myrtle Beach, SC, and previously of Edgewater, MD, passed away on April 25, 2024, after a brief illness.

Born on October 19, 1930, to the late James Leslie Whetzel and Marion King Stewart, Roger was a proud graduate of Virginia Tech, earning a bachelor's degree. He served his country with honor as a Marine sergeant during the Korean War. Roger's career was marked by his commitment and hard work, holding various positions, including at Arlington National Cemetery, the Army Map Service, an installer with Haughton Elevator Company, a manager at Armor Elevator, owner of Atlantic States Elevator, Vice President of General Elevator, and as an independent elevator consultant in his retirement. He had a deep love for golf and was an avid reader, always eager to delve into any book he could get his hands on. His compassion was evident in his work with disabled children, a cause close to his heart.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by an infant son, Roger King Whetzel, Jr.; two brothers, James E. and Jerry W. Whetzel; and a grandson, Kyle Whetzel. 

Roger is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Joan Basham Whetzel; three children, Jeff (Christie) Whetzel of Davidsonville, MD, Mike (Terri) Whetzel of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Lisa Whetzel of Laurel, MD; six grandchildren, Bret (Victoria) Whetzel of Davidsonville, MD, Keith (Marilyn) Whetzel of Annapolis, MD, Casey (James) Glotflety of Davidsonville, MD, Chad Beattie of Asheville, NC, Wesley Beattie of Laurel, MD, and Callie Beattie of New Jersey.; and six great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Roger's life on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 4 pm until service begins at 5:30 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. The interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

in lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made to the <a href="https://on-line.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=1126">Crohn's & Colitis Foundation</a>.

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Roger K. Whetzel

Roger K. Whetzel

Roger Whetzel Services

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Memorial Service