Donald Lee Wilhelm

Donald Lee Wilhelm, 97, of Point Pleasant passed peacefully in his home Thursday, November 6, 2014 with his loving family attending. He will be sorely missed by his daughters, Doreen Strickler of Tool, Texas, Peggy Gillespie of Point Pleasant and his only grandchild, Jeffrey Gillespie II also of Point Pleasant. Donald was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Dolores Elaine Wilhelm on April 13, 2013. Don was born July 7, 1917 in Cameron, WV to George and Dollie Wilhelm. He and his wife formed the ballroom dance team of Don and Dolores in the 1940's and performed professionally throughout West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Don served his country during World War II as a Sergeant in General Patton's 3rd Army in Company A, 285th Engineer Combat Battalion rebuilding bridges during the Battle of the Bulge. He was proud of his service time and had many intriguing stories to tell. Don worked for American Electric Power Co. at the Windsor Power Plant in Power, WV and retired from the Gavin Plant as Chief Area Dispatcher after 46 years. He was a Master Mason of the Minturn Lodge No. 19 of Point Pleasant and Masonic Veteran of 50 years. Don was also a member of the 32nd degree Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Beni Kedem Shriners Temple and Beni Kedem Legion of Honor all in Charleston. For many years he was active transporting local children to the Shriners Burn Institute in Cincinnati. He also was a member of the Pat Wilson Shrine Club in Point Pleasant and enjoyed his time with them in the Hillbilly Clan. His other affiliations were: The American Legion Post No.23 and Moose Lodge, both of Point Pleasant. Don enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, going to the library, lunching about town with his wife, and listening to his extensive collection of albums. His love of music led him to supporting his wife with her dance and baton schools in Wheeling, then later in Point Pleasant and he went on to help his daughter, Peggy Gillespie with the Stylettes Twirling Corp at their performances, competitions and parades. The family wishes to Thank all involved for the beautiful and respectful ceremony accorded their father and grandfather on Saturday at 1 p.m.: Masonic Minturn Lodge No. 19, American Legion Post No. 23, Scottish Rite service performed by Charleston WV chapter, the U.S. Army Color Guard, Pastor Steven Sanderson of New Hope Bible Baptist Church and Wilcoxen Funeral Home. Donald was interred at Kirkland Memorial Gardens to join the "love of his life" in the eternal hereafter.