WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — William Algene Wheeler, 92, formerly of the Spruces in Williamstown and last residing with his niece, Teresa Culpepper- Rysz, in Drury, Mass., after the tropical storm Irene isplaced him from his home, died on Friday, July 8, 2016, at the Williamstown Commons.
He was born in North Adams, Mass., on February 17, 1924, a son to John and Helen (Mullett) Wheeler. He attended schools in Florida and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1941. He was a decorated veteran of WWII, serving with the U.S. Marines earning the rank of Corporal. While in the military he received the American Campaign Ribbon, a WWII Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal. He also served during the Korean conflict and was a US Marine Reserve.
Mr. Wheeler last worked at Beloit-Jones in Dalton as a traffic manager for many years until his retirement in 1989. Before that he drove bus for the Berkshire Street Railway. He was proud to have his private pilot's license which he obtained in 1947.
He was a member of the Florida Baptist Church and enjoyed playing music and playing poker.
Mr. Wheeler's first wife, Jean (Guertin) Wheeler, and second wife, Marjorie (Bressette) Boucher Wheeler, predeceased him.
Survivors include a son, Leslie Wheeler of San Francisco, Calif.; a daughter, Janice Wheeler of Port Angels, Wash.; one granddaughter, Tracy Wheeler of San Francisco; a sister, Ruth Boucher of Haverhill, Mass.; and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, June Lepage; and two brothers, John and James Wheeler.
Funeral notice: Funeral services for William Algene Wheeler will take place at a later date in the Florida Baptist Church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Church Cemetery. Flynn and Dagnoli-Montaga Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall S., North Adams, are in charge of arrangements.