CHESAPEAKE — Mr. Dandridge O. Wikel, 95, of Chesapeake, son of Thomas O. and Mabel Kelley Wikel, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at Cabell Huntington Hospital after a brief illness.
Mr. Wikel was born Feb. 13, 1914, in Huntington, W.Va., and celebrated his 95th birthday shortly before his death. He was the eldest of nine children and a lifelong resident of Lawrence County. As a 1932 graduate of Chesapeake High School, he is thought to have been the oldest living graduate of that school.
As a young man he operated, with his father, T.O. Wikel Produce Company. He started that business with a Model T Ford, which he bought for $10. The produce business was in his blood. Even in his latter years Mr. Wikel could often be seen on summer days selling produce from a stand in front of his home on County Road 1. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy stationed at Weondi Island in the Pacific Theater.
Upon his return from the war he was an agent for Western-Southern Life Insurance. Later he became an agent for Nationwide Insurance Company where he worked for 30-years. He was a member of Chesapeake United Methodist Church. He was married to the former Opal Henson for 32 years and the former Jewel Johnson for 12 years. Mr. Wikel was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer, and gardener.
Mr. Wikel is survived by his daughter Kathy Lehman of Madison, Ga., her husband, Brian, and their two daughters, Cheryl and Allison.
The family would like to thank those who offered friendship, love, and care during the last few years. In particular, Harry Ison and Nick Kontos were faithful and constant friends and card playing companions. When he became homebound Jean Drake was his first dedicated caregiver. Most especially we would like to thank Donna McCloud who cared for him and loved him every day during the last six years of his life.
A funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Schneider-Griffin Funeral Home with the Rev. Daryl Fourman officiating. Burial will follow at Rome Cemetery, Proctorville. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.schneidergriffin.com.