Charles Byron Wilhelm

THURSTON - Charles Byron Wilhelm, age 87, of Thurston, died at the Corning Hospital, Sept. 3.

Charles was born in Thurson on June 22, 1920, the son of Willis G. and Olive M. Wilhelm of Thurston.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Wilhelm of Thurston; son, Michael Wilhelm of Painted Post; daughter, Anne Keefer of Newfield; son Daniel Wilhelm of Thurston; grandson, Mark Wilhelm of Rochester; granddaughter, Wendy (Keefer) Barker of Lewis Center, Ohio; granddaughter, Pamela (Keefer) Calkins of Bath; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Dora Stratton of Elkland, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law, Shirley Wilhelm of Thurston; and several nieces and nephews.

Charles was predeceased by sisters Louise, Ila, Adairene, and brother, LaVerne. Charles graduated from Campbell

Central School in 1937. He married Helen J. Keith on Sept. 14, 1943. He was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946, serving in the 17th and 82nd Airborne Divisions during World War II in Europe. After the war, he and his family lived in Thurston, Penn Yan, and Monterey, while he worked at the carpentry trade. Charles served on the Board of Education of Bradford Central School for six years which included two years as President . He was Business Agent of Carpenters Local 700 union in Corning for 8 years. After retiring from the carpentry trade, he served as Supervisor for the Town of Thurston for several years. Charles was a member of Thurston Christian Church, where he received recognition for loyal service.

Family and friends called at Carpenter's Funeral Home on Friday, Sept. 7 from 1-3 p.m. where a Funeral Service was held at 3 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation, with the Rev. Larry Adee officiating. Burial with full military honors was held in Hope Cemetery, Campbell. Memorial donations may be made in Charles' name to the Thurston First Responders.