Joseph Ralph Wheatley's Obituary
Joseph Ralph Wheatley Sr., age 91, a lifelong resident of Bridgeville, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, DE. He was born on September 12, 1923 to the late Ralph and Leona (Banning) Wheatley.
Joe spent his childhood helping his parents on their farm. He was a 1941 graduate of Bridgeville High School. Joe married his fellow classmate, Marilda West, on October 23, 1943. They celebrated 50 years of marriage prior to her death in 1994.
Joe received his draft notice in 1943 and reported for service in the Army Air Corps. During World War II, he was a member of the 457th Bomb Group, 750th Squadron of the Eighth Air Force. He served as a B-17 ball-turret gunner, flying 27 missions before his plane was shot down on August 24,1944. Only four of nine crewmembers survived, and they became Prisoners of War in Nazi Germany for eight months. On February 6, 1945, prisoners of Stalag Luft IV were marched out of the camp to begin an 86-day “Black March” during one of the coldest recorded winters in Germany’s history. In April of 1945, Prisoners of War were liberated by the Russians. Staff Sergeant Wheatley earned three oak leaf clusters for sustained combat bombing missions over Germany. Forty years after their service, the four crewmembers reconnected through letters and telephone calls. There was never a day that Joe did not recall times spent with these “brothers”. An account of their story can be found in James Diehl’s book, World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware. He was the last remaining crewmember.
After returning to civilian life, Joe was employed as a furniture salesman for Scott’s Furniture, Inc., in Bridgeville, from 1948-1985. He was a member of Union United Methodist Church, a former member of the Bridgeville Lions Club and a former member of the Historical Vintage Car Club of Delaware. He also coached his son’s Little League team. He enjoyed singing in his church choir as well as in local barbershop quartets and choruses. As a guitarist, he enjoyed performing in many Lions Club shows, a local band and in his home with other musically talented friends. During retirement, he enjoyed restoring antique vehicles and caring for his yard. Joe will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by his son, Joseph R. Wheatley, Jr. in 2008 and his second wife, Lillian (Hubbard) Wheatley also in 2008. He is survived by his two daughters, Sharon Hawk and her husband Charles; Joanne Jones and her husband Jerry all of Bridgeville; five grandchildren, Karen Hawk; Kristen Hatfield and her husband Shawn; Brian Jones and his wife Ruthy; Jill Jackson and her husband Aaron and Lindsay Wheatley; nine great- grandchildren, Megan Willey and her husband Buddy; Lauren Correll; Taylor, Tyler and Trey Hatfield; Logan and Emorie Jackson; Bryson and Jeremy Jones and one great-great granddaughter, Caroline Willey.
The family wishes to thank Lolita White, his companion of seven years, for her love and devotion.
A special thank you also to Genesis Lofland Park Center of Seaford, the Delaware Veterans Home of Milford, and Delaware Hospice for the loving care and compassion they provided.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, January 25, 2014 at Union United Methodist Church, 2 North Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 1 PM. Interment will immediately follow the services at Bridgeville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union United Methodist Church or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Please sign Joe's online guestbook at this site.
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