Wendell R. Wilson, 87
Following a three year battle with cancer, Wendell R. “Wendy” Wilson, age 87, of Wyalusing, passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2010.
Wendell was born in Donalsonville, Georgia, on November 15, 1922, a son of Wm. Ridley Wilson and Fannie (Carr) Wilson.
In his early years, the family moved to Quincy, Florida. As a result of enjoying sports, he participated in basketball and football, and was a member of the Boy Scouts. Graduation from high school was in 1941.
Wendy traveled to Connecticut where he worked for the American Sumatra Company.
Along came World War II; he volunteered to become a member of the U.S. Navy. Wendell was a member of the crew of LOIK 489 which sailed across the Atlantic for training. In June 1944, they participated in the Normandy Invasion at Omaha Beach. On the first trip, they put 500 men of the First Division (Big Red One) on the beach. Upon discharge, Wendy stayed in the Reserves and in time, was recalled to serve during the Korean War.
On July 12, 1947, he married Ellen Leavenworth. Wendy and Ellen shared a loving and devoted marriage; next week they would have observed their 63rd wedding anniversary.
In 1947, Wendy began working for the Postal Department; in 1954 he was given a transfer to the Rummerfield Post Office. After some time, this post office was closed and the area served became part of the Wyalusing Post Office where he worked until his retirement in 1979.
Wendell was a member of the Wyalusing United Methodist Church. He became active in a number of activities that involved the youth of the area; coached Little League, flag football, accompanied the local Boy Scout troop at a Summer Camp and Polar Bear outings, and was a Counselor of the Explorer Troop.
For twenty-one years he was a member of the Wyalusing School Board, and a 50 year member of the American Legion, Free and Accepted Masons, Order of the Eastern Star (served as Worthy Grand Patron), and a 40 year member of Scottish Rite.
In his younger years he was a member of the Wyalusing Volunteer Fire Department and the Ambulance Association.
Wendy is survived by his wife, Ellen M. Wilson, at home; three sons: Gary (Gail) Wilson of Erie, PA, Bruce (Cindy) Wilson, of Millerstown, PA, and Brian (Tracey) Wilson of Mechanicsburg, PA; a sister: Virginia, of Georgia; a brother: Ralph, of Florida, and by two granddaughters: Emily and Sydney.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother: Dan; and by his sisters: Francis and Eva.
Friends and family are invited to call on Wednesday evening, July 7, 2010, at the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church Street, Wyalusing, PA, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., and on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.
Masonic funeral services will be held on Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m., by members of Wyalusing Lodge No. 618, F.&.A.M.
A Military Pass & Review will be held on Wednesday evening, at 7:30 p.m. by members of Wyalusing American Legion Post No. 534.
An Eastern Star funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 10:45 a.m. in the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, by members of LeRaysville Chapter No. 498, OES.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, at 11:00 a.m. in the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Penney Rahm, his pastor officiating, and Rev. Myles T. Bradley, of Pittsburgh, assisting.
Full military honors will be accorded in Wyalusing Cemetery immediately following by members of the Wyalusing American Legion Post No. 534, and by active U.S. Navy personnel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to: Guthrie Hospice, R.R. 1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848; Wyalusing Lodge No. 618 F.&A.M., P.O. Box 618, Wyalusing, PA; or the Wyalusing United Methodist Church, P.O .Box 155, Wyalusing, PA 18853, in memory of Wendell R. Wilson.