John W. Wheatley

BROOKFIELD—John W. Wheatley, 76, of Brookfield, died unexpectedly, Thursday evening, Dec. 20, 2007 upon arrival at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.

He was born July 12, 1931 in Randolph, the son of Walter and Grace (Trask) Wheatley. He attended Brookfield schools and graduated from Spaulding High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and married Janet Ryan September 14, 1957.

He had a wholesale paper distributorship. He had also been parts manager for Hill-Martin Equipment, and the Volkswagen dealership in Barre, and sold cars for several Barre-Montpelier dealerships.

He had served as a grand juror, Justice of the Peace, and on the Board of Civil Authority. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post #10 of Barre, and Post #9449 of Randolph, and the East Brookfield Congregational Church. He was a past master of the Mystic Star Masonic Lodge and past patron of the Crescent Chapter. He was a 30-year volunteer for the Brookfield Fire Department, where he served on its Prudential Committee.

He enjoyed dancing, country western music, hunting, fishing, animals, and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Wheatley of Brookfield; sisters, Bertha Benway and her husband, Ernest, of Chester; and Rebecca Reynolds and her husband, Howard S., of Lyndonville; a brother-in-law, Joseph Ryan and his wife, Lucy, of South Barre; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, W. Wayne Wheatley.

Memorial services will be held Friday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. at the East Brookfield Congregational Church, with Pastor Doug Cameron, officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the spring at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the East Brookfield Congregational Church, c/o Donna Cameron, 6147 Vt. Rte. 14, East Brookfield, Vt. 05036; or to the White River Valley Ambulance, 3190 Pleasant Street, Bethel, Vt. 05032. Online condolences may be left at www. dayfunerals.com. Arrangements are by the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.

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