Rolaph Orval Whelchel

Surrounded by his loving family in his final weeks of life, Rolaph Orval Whelchel, age 79, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on March 24, 2026 in his home after a lengthy cancer battle.

Born on October 23, 1946 to Russel and Ernestine Whelchel in Springfield, Missouri, Rolaph attended Missouri State University. Though he claimed to just be a “country boy who couldn’t spell cat” he proved himself an ambitious and tenacious businessman who spent his career in sales and marketing for major oil companies, eventually retiring from Chevron Oil Corporation.

Known as the King of the Grill, he enjoyed serving his creations that he modestly claimed “might not be worth anything” as he and his loving wife of 37 years, Shirley, entertained friends and family alike. The two also enjoyed traveling the world, with some of their favorite adventures being trips to the Wild West and Switzerland.

An avid competitor at work and at play, Rolaph enjoyed golfing, playing championship courses such as Pebble Beach, Augusta, St. Andrews, and Valhalla. When he wasn’t on the go, he devoted his time to studying the stock market and staying versed on politics and world events.

He was known by friends and family members alike as a proud and private man who was the last person to ask for assistance but the first one to give it.

In addition to being survived by his loving wife, Shirley, he is survived by his step-children Memerie McGary of Louisville, Kellie Waterhouse of South Bend, IN, Tracey Egley (Ray) of Marion, IN, and Robin Bilinski (Robert) of Nappanee, IN in addition to his grandchildren Katherine Waterhouse Barnes, Bryce Waterhouse, Ashley Nirumandrad,  Erin Lyon, Courtney Bilinski and Trey Bilinski.

Visitation will be held at the Duncan Memorial Chapel on Sunday, March 29 at noon and will be followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. 

Following Rolaph’s heart of generosity, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Samaritan’s Purse or the American Cancer Society