Richard "Ken" Kenneth Wheeler's Obituary
Richard Kenneth “Ken” Wheeler, 96, passed away on Easter, April 21, 2019. Although born in Pomona, CA. on January 25, 1923, either Gig Harbor or Tacoma were always “home,” with Tacoma being his last residency.
Ken had a “Tom Sawyer” childhood, growing up primarily in the Puget Sound area with his two brothers, Bob and Russ. He graduated from Lincoln High School and was attending the University of Washington, majoring in engineering, when he volunteered for the draft in January of 1943.
Ken became eligible for air cadet training where he chose to become a navigator - handling many planes throughout his career but primarily, B-17’s, C-54’s,C-97’s and C-124’s.
After about 16 months of training, he was stationed at Lucera Army Airfield close to Foggia, Italy where he completed 35 missions. On his 14th mission, he parachuted from his burning plane into enemy territory, evaded capture by the Germans, and escaped by boat under enemy fire with the aid of the Partisans. He shared his evasion story with friends and many area school children over the years. He also served with distinction during the Korean and Vietnam wars and during peacetime flying for Military Airlift Command navigating transports all over the world while accumulating over 10,000 flying hours. In later years, half of his time was spent on administrative duties where he excelled and eventually retired doing full-time administrative work at the Pentagon as a Lieutenant Colonel. (He never talked about that part of his job as he was a navigator at heart.)
Following military retirement he worked for Ranger Boats in Kent, WA supervising the assembly shop, lofting and constructing full-size wooden mock-ups of new boat designs, selecting appropriate rigging and hardware, testing the prototype boats, writing the tech bulletins, then selling and demonstrating the boats to customers. He was also an avid sailboat racer, particularly with the American Lake Sailing Club.
Lorraine Barringer became his bride in 1943. Within a couple weeks of Ken’s return from the war, the couple lost their first born, Russell, at one month of age making each of their following six children even a greater blessing. His surviving children are Nancy Cooper, Steve Wheeler (Davida), Leslie Jacques (Rod), and Linda Daniels (Danne). He was predeceased by his son, Kenneth Alan and daughter, Karen L. Munro.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Sharon, plus the two children she brought into the fold, Michael Crumbaker (Margo) and Shari Crumbaker Miller (Matt). This blended family was his pride and joy and resulted in 16 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren surviving him.
Ken especially liked to read, ballroom dance, tinker, tell stories, gather with friends and family, mentor youth, give talks at schools and events, help those in need, and putter with model planes and trains. He supported the Cascade Warbirds (honorary member and docent for B-17 flights) and the Tuskegee Airmen. Ken was honored at many events the last one riding in the Alaska opening float to the Torchlight SeaFair parade with three other WWII veterans. He loved to travel, especially cruising which gave him a chance to dance to his heart’s content. Ken was an elder and active member at Chapel Hill and was honored to represent the Air Force in color guard presentations on Memorial Day and Veterans Day Sundays proudly wearing his WWII pinks and greens!
Services will be held at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor on Thursday, May 2 at 3:30 pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, any donations in his name to Franciscan Hospice House or your local Relay for Life.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard "Ken"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard "Ken"?
Share a story where Richard "Ken"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard "Ken" you’ll never forget.
How did Richard "Ken" make you smile?
