William Melvin Wheaton

William “Bill” Wheaton, age 76, passed away February 8, 2017 at his home in Albion after a lengthy illness. He was born in Marshall on March 18, 1940, but moved to Albion when he was four, and lived there the rest of his life. He had ties to both communities.

Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lou; one daughter, LuAnn (Michael) Chernick of Goodyear, AZ; two sons, Marc Wheaton of Phoenix, AZ, and Christopher Wheaton of Jackson; special family friend David VerBerkmoes; sister, Maxine Thompson of Jackson, and cousins, David and Nancy Nantz.

He was preceded in death by mother and father, Thelma and Robert; and two brothers.

Bill loved his community. He served in the United States Army for three years, from 1958-1961 part of which time he was in France. He worked at Hayes Albion for 35 years.

He was a life-long volunteer serving with the Albion Ambulance Service for 5 ½ years, and was on numerous boards and commissions. He served on Albion’s city council for 8+ years representing the 4th precinct. He was also Mayor for nine years. He served as a Cub Scout leader, and assisted the Sister City Committee with their work in Noisy le-Roi, France meeting with people and visiting where he had been stationed while in France.

In the 1970’s he designed a coin that was used for the Festival of the Forks. He had a passion for the outdoors and camping, and he loved genealogy and history. He was also highly interested in the goings on of the Bohm Theatre restoration project.

“He will be deeply missed.”

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14 at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr. in Albion. A Memorial Service will take place at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February, 14 at the funeral home. People are invited to share their thoughts and memories of Bill at the service.

Contributions may be sent to the Friends of the Bohm Theatre; or the Forks Senior Center.