Walter M. "Corky" Wheeler

Wellsville, NY - Walter M. "Corky" Wheeler, 77, of 162 Stevens Street died on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at home with his family at his side. He was born November 1, 1934 in Olean, the son of the late Jesse A. and Jessie (Conner) Wheeler. On June 29, 1958 in Coudersport, PA he married Bonnie Allen who predeceased him on December 10, 2006.

Corky was a 1953 graduate of Bolivar Central School. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving as an overseas radio operator from 1956 to 1958. He was a long time resident of  Bolivar, where he was a life member of the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Volunteer Ambulance Squad and the Fire Police. He was a former member of the Bolivar American Legion and the Wellsville VFW. He enjoyed coin collecting, playing golf, bowling and going to the casino. He was employed at Macler Industries Inc. in Friendship beginning 1958 and was a Production Supervisor when the plant closed in 1987. He later worked for a foundry in Ohio and ended his career at the Gray Syracuse Company in Chenango, NY, retiring in 1999. He had earned certificates from Alfred University and Ohio University for labor management and fluorescent penetrant inspection and process control. 

He is survived by three daughters, Diane (Dennis) Wight of Albion, Robyn (David) Griswold of Bolivar and Tina Wheeler of Wellsville, three step daughters, Kay (Jesse) Grossman of Lyndonville, Barbara (Jar) Kilfoyle of Fillmore and Hope Jefferies of North Carolina, 20 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, James Wheeler in 1998.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 24, 2012 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with his nephew, Rev. Thomas Cline presiding. Memorial donations may be made to Home Care & Hospice, 118 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.