Willis Sr. Obituary (1931 - 2009)

AUGUSTA - Willis F. Wheelock Sr., 77, of Wilson Street died Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at the Maine Veterans' Home. He was born in Calais on July 24, 1931, the son of David and Mable (Sherman) Wheelock. He served in the Army during the Korean War. Willis worked for Statler Tissue and was a regional manager for Top Gas before his retirement in 1996. He was a member of First United Pentecostal Church in Augusta. Willis enjoyed fishing, archery and being with family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Josephine Wheelock, on Dec. 14, 2006. He is survived by a daughter, Darlene A. Staples, of Augusta; three sons, Willis F. Wheelock Jr., Roger L. Wheelock and his No. 1 son, Robert L. Wheelock, all of Augusta; a brother, Benjamin Wheelock, of Jefferson; a sister, Nora Gallagher, of Augusta; eight grandchildren, Rocky E. Wheelock, Nicholas J. Wheelock, Timothy B. Staples II, Justin P. Staples, Jarid C. Wheelock, Andrew W. Wheelock, Rebecca L. Staples and Amanda L. Wheelock; four great-grandchildren, Gage B. Staples, Chase M. Staples, Cameron D. Wheelock and Alexxis Wheelock; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be no visiting hours. A committal service with military honors will take place at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the chapel at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com