Leonard “Sonny” Whaley

Age 84, of Malvern, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Aultman Hospital. He was born November 25, 1941 in Steubenville to Ira Leonard and Thelma (Everhart) Whaley. He retired from the Hoover Co. in North Canton where he had worked for 31 years. He graduated from McKinley High School and is a volunteer for the Carroll County Animal Protection League for many years. Sonny was a kind and gentle soul who loved his wife, Lorna and his kids Rané, Lenny and Lorena and his life. He had a heart of gold and always made sure his family felt cherished. He was also wonderfully silly and full of life, always cracking jokes, saying “Bite Me” with a big grin and sticking his tongue out just to be ornery. That playful side of him brought so much laughter to everyone around him. In his younger years you could find him bowling and having a great time with friends and family. He found great joy on the water fishing with his son, Lenny and his grandkids, Donnie and Travis. He would take his whole family on his pontoon boat at Lake Mohawk and enjoy the fireworks on the fourth of July. Sonny loved Clay’s Campground when he and his wife, Lorna had a trailer there and the kids would get such a thrill riding the golf cart and swimming in the pond.

He went to Mexico by the San Diego border in 2000. He met Lorna there and on Nov. 17th, 2001 they were married on the beach at sunset. They traveled back and forth to Ohio for four years and finally moved to Ohio in 2007. They traveled to Alaska and Hawaii and spent all of his time with his wife, kids and grandkids. Sonny was the most loving and caring person you could ever meet, and he will be dearly missed by all his family and friends that knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Lorna (Clark) Lowell-Whaley, 5 children; Rané (Bruce) Lane of Uniontown, Lorena Whaley of Massillon, Leonard “Lenny” (Susan) Whaley Jr. of Canton, Rayna (Doug) Price of Malvern, Dawn (Bob) Sweigart of Lakeside, CA, 2 sisters, Linda Crank of Louisville, Angie Whaley of Phoenix, AZ, brother, Homer Whaley, 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a stepson, Michael Chaney.

Per his wishes, there will be no formal services at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carroll County Animal Protection League at www.carrollcountyapl.com. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.