SPENCER: Kenneth R. Wheeler 83, of Crown St., died Saturday, July 23 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, as the result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident in Spencer on July 9th.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Jean M. (Guibord) Wheeler, his three sons Bruce W. Wheeler and his wife Ashia of Newark, N.J., Brian K. Wheeler of Port Orange, Fl., and Scott T. Wheeler and his wife April of Fitchburg, a brother Norman Wheeler and his wife Patricia of Lansing, N.Y., a sister Lillian Stoudmire of Corona, Calif, four grandchildren Jonathan, Joshua, Allison, their Mother, Beth Ann Wheeler, and granddaughter, Cheryl Wheeler. Step grandchildren Victoria, Jeffrey, and Marcus DuFault. He is predeceased by a step granddaughter Ciera Denson Miles in 2014, eight brothers and two sisters. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of William A. and Naomi M. (Adams) Wheeler and graduated from the former Commerce High School in Worcester and later received his Bachelor and Master's Degrees from Worcester State University. He served his country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a longtime member and former Adjutant of the Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 American Legion in Spencer.
Ken was academic director for Worcester Boys Trade School and later Dean of Finance for the former Worcester Industrial Technical Institute before retiring in 1994.
He was a member of the Mass.Teachers Association, the Hayden Lodge of Masons A.F. & A.M., Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish where he was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector and volunteered along with his wife delivering meals for the Food Pantry. He was a former chairman and longtime member of the Spencer/E.Brookfield Regional School Committee and the town's representative to Bay Path Regional School District. He also once served on the Spencer Finance Committee.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 30 at 10 a.m. in Mary Queen of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Spencer. There are no calling hours. J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements for the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bay Path Education Foundation. 57 Old Mugget Hill Road Charlton, Ma. 01507.