Wilbur James Eschen

Lecanto, FL - Wilbur J. Eschen, age 94 of Lecanto, Florida, passed away at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, FL, on February 20. He was born September 14, 1923 to James G. & Eugenie M. Eschen (Miller) of Sloatsburg.

Wilbur was a graduate of Suffern High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball, becoming all-county in each sport. He attended Colgate College before entering the service as a member of the 103rd Infantry Division. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. During the post-war occupation, he distinguished himself once again athletically, leading his unit, the 60th Regiment "Go Devils" on the playing fields. Post-war he attended Wake Forest University, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in 1950.

He returned to Suffern to teach and coach at Suffern High for 22 years, before moving to Potsdam State University as the baseball coach and athletic administrator. He retired to Bethania, NC to play golf and work part-time as a scout for the New York Mets.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mabel B. Eschen (Usselman).

Left to cherish his memory are 3 sons: James (Nancy) of Jacksonville Florida, Richard (Carla) of Hernando Florida and Thomas (Mary) of Cazenovia NY, nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at the Wanamaker-Carlough Funeral Home Saturday March 3 at 9 a.m., with the service to follow at 11 a.m.