Wesley was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, on July 18, 1920, to John and Silvie Grunden, and came to Ventura, California as a young man in the early 1940s after graduating from high school. He worked in agriculture in those years and became affiliated with Ventura Coastal Lemon Corporation.
During World War II, Wesley volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force hoping to become a pilot. After testing he was accepted for flight school with instructions to complete some college classes while waiting for his assignment to come through. Wesley traveled to many different air bases across the country, eventually becoming an officer and completing training in Florida to fly the B29 Stratofortress. He was sent to the South Pacific towards the end of the war and finished his service time there.
Wesley and Alice had known each other from their youth in Oklahoma and reconnected during his military training. They were married in 1944 prior to Wesley being sent to the South Pacific. The couple came back to Ventura at the end of the war and he took the position that Ventura Coastal Corporation had promised to have for him when he returned. He worked the rest of his career there, retiring as the general manager at the lemon packinghouse in 1983.
Wesley loved the outdoors and especially loved fishing in the Sierras, camping and RVing. He enjoyed gardening and the flowers and vegetables he grew were truly outstanding. After retirement, he and Alice actively pursued their interest in RVing and traveled all over the western states, the midwest and Canada. They lived briefly in Coupeville, WA, returning to Ventura to live out their lives in the city they both loved with their daughter-in-law, Nola Grunden, caring for them from 2012 to the present.
For many years Wesley was active in the Ventura Christian Church serving as an elder and in church leadership.
Wesley is survived by his son, Earl, of Springfield, MO; daughters, Margaret Potchatek, of Coupeville, WA, and Donna Beverly, of Philomath, OR. There are six grandchildren, many great- and great-great-grandchildren who survive him; and a brother, Richard of Chula Vista, CA. His son, Ronald, preceded him in death.
Wesley will be remembered by family and friends as a real gentleman and a person of honor and truth.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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