Obituary of Kenneth Charles Wheeler

Kenneth Charles Wheeler, 90, of Homer NY, passed away January 19, 2014 at the Cortland Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. Ken was born on July 10, 1923 in the Town of Niles, Cayuga Co., NY., the son of the late George R. and Ada Rich Wheeler. He graduated from Cortland High School with the class of 1941 and received training as a toolmaker and machinist. On February 10, 1945 he was married to Janice Mary Knobel. Ken was employed in small machine shops and then worked for Cortland Line Co. for 37 yrs., retiring in 1985 as maintenance supervisor. Ken was a life member of the Homer Fire Dept., joining in 1945 and serving at various times as First Assistant Chief, Treasurer and Captain of the Hook & Ladder Co. Both before and after retirement he and Janice enjoyed traveling throughout most of the United States and Canada, along with visiting their son and family in Tennessee. Because his parents had come from England, Ken was interested in all things British and made trips to England to sightsee and visit his cousins. But most of all Ken was happiest with his home and family. Ken is survived by his loving wife of almost 69 yrs. Janice of Homer, and his four children Susan Crandall (Ralph) of Locke, Marcia Wheeler of Syracuse, Anita Jebbett (Jeffrey) of Cortland, Kevin Wheeler (Sandra) of Murfreesboro, TN. He was especially proud of his six grandchildren Sarah Morgan (Steven) of Cortland, Caryn Lemmon (Andrew) of Moravia, Nathan Jebbett (Trista Reigert) of Burlington VT, Zachary Jebbett (Kelly) of Cortland, Katherine Turner (Thomas) of Smyrna TN, and Christine Hall (Matthew) of Murfreesboro TN, and his five great grandchildren; Alex Morgan, Bryanna Frank, Destiny and Jack Lemmon, and Jade Turner. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ken was predeceased by his brother George Mervin Wheeler in 1992 and his sister Ellen Inez Bachman in 2007. A calling hour will be Thursday 2-3 pm with a funeral service to begin 3 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. Spring burial will at the Glenwood Cemetery, Homer NY. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Homer fire Dept. Rescue Squad or charity of one's choice. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com