Wayne E. Wheelock
Wayne E. Wheelock, 81, a long time resident of Swanzey and formerly of Keene died on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in White River Junction, VT. He passed peacefully after a period of declining health with family near.
Wayne was born the son of the late Thelma (Spring) and Edward Wheelock on May 24, 1934 in Keene. He was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1953.
After high school Wayne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from November 1, 1950 until November 2, 1953. Wayne was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal E-4.
On June 6, 1959 he exchanged vows with the love of his life Eileen J. Pierson at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene. Sadly, Eileen passed on May 19, 2012 after almost fifty three years of marriage.
Wayne worked for the Kingsbury Machine and Tool Company in Keene for thirty years as a machinist. He retired in 1997 to enjoy his golden years with his family.
Wayne was an avid trap shooter and gun enthusiast. He liked to load his own ammunition and shoot competitively. Time was spent reading Charles Bruce Catton novels and listening to country music. He could be found watching his favorite Boston area sport teams on television and he especially enjoyed being in the company of family and friends. Wayne was civically minded believing in giving back to the community by being a member of the Elks Lodge in Keene for more than 25 years, as well as being a life time member of the Cheshire County Fish and Game Club.
Mr. Wheelock is survived by his children; Steven A. Wheelock of Swanzey and Diane C. Blinn and her husband Charles of Plaistow. His sister, Shirley Strazdaz of Templeton, MA. Three grandchildren; Zachary N. Blinn, Kayla M. Nixon and her husband John and Tyler M. Blinn. Wayne is predeceased by his son, David E. Wheelock who passed on December 21, 2013 and his sister Jacqueline Wheelock who passed on August 11, 2011.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2016 from 2 to 4pm. in the funeral home. A service is being planned for June 4, 2016 with details being given closer to the date. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Wayne E. Wheelock to: St. Jude Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. 38105 or to: Schriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA. 01104. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
