Alan H. Whaley, 78, died Oct. 15, 2024, at his home in Phoenix.

He attended Fresno Pacific College in California from 1963 to 1966, then transferred to Fresno State College, where he received a bachelor’s degree in social sciences in 1967. He earned a master of divinity degree from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in 1972. While there, he served as student body vice president in 1971.

He married Carol Neufeld in 1966, and they were married 58 years.

His first full-time pastorate was at Palm Glen Mennonite Brethren Church in Phoenix. Then he accepted the call to pastor First Mennonite Church in Phoenix in 1978. At the time of his death, he had served the congregation for 47 years. He served over 50 years in ministry.

He served on boards and committees of the denomination, currently Mennonite Church USA, in addition to raising a family and leading First Mennonite Church. He took walks for his health and to pick up recyclables to fund youth work. He loved baseball and supported his Arizona Diamondbacks with a season ticket. He loved humor. He collected joke books and was always ready to share a joke at the slightest opportunity.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; two children, Scott Whaley and Melissa Kisich; and five grandchildren.