Obituary of Gary K. Wheelock

Gary Kenyon Wheelock, age 73 of McGraw, NY, passed away Friday, June 2, 2017, at Cortland Regional Medical Center surrounded by family. Gary was born June 28, 1943, in Cortland, NY, a son of the late Ivan and Mabel Kenyon Wheelock. He graduated from McGraw High School in 1961, then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. where he served from 1961-1964. After being honorably discharged, he began his 40 year employment at Agway Energy Products. Following retirement, he drove school bus for 10 years for the McGraw Central School District. On February 23, 1963, he was married to Margaret "Peg" Lanpher. Gary leaves behind his wife, Margaret, at home, his daughters Vicki (Wayne) Bell of Charlotte, NC, Laurie (Michael) Batsford of Cortland, NY, and his grandson, Shane Bell, who was his pride and joy. Brother, Gordon Wheelock, of Homer, NY, and sister Phyllis DeRonda of Fredericksburg, VA, and his John Deere tractor. He was pre-deceased by sisters Avis Staub and Barbara Shippey. Gary enjoyed spending time with family and friends; sharing jokes over coffee, camping, traveling, and took great pride in the home they built. A service will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Avenue, Cortland, NY; followed by a military burial at Cortland Rural Cemetery, Cortland, NY. There will be no calling hours; a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.