Thomas Alvie Wilhelm Sr., 67, of Morgantown, passed away at home on March 16, 2023.
He was born on July 26, 1955, in Wadsworth, Ohio, a son of the late Theodore and Mary Marie (Urmos) Wilhelm.
Thomas was a graduate of Terra Alta High School in 1973. He worked until retirement at Monpower/First Energy. Initially employed as a lineman, Thomas advanced in the Company living in Kingwood and Morgantown. He retired as a safety supervisor FEU teaching the next generation of lineman how to safely power West Virginia. Across the Mountain State, where power runs, Thomas left his mark. Even after retirement, Thomas continued to complete contract work on an as needed basis. More importantly, Thomas was the patriarch of his family. The first to send the family “Happy Birthday” group text and the organizer of scavenger hunts across multiple states and vacations, he was the foundation where his family centered. Thomas was YouTube before YouTube and could fix anything, even when his sons and family members called him over the phone. He was happiest at the large family vacations he planned and made possible, at his cabin, or making sure the latest family group photo was taken.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Collene (Funk) Wilhelm; one son, Shawn Wilhelm and wife Matte; one daughter, Tina Turner and husband Buddy; nine grandchildren, Alana Riley, Nikayla Jennings, Talia Goodwin, Cole Tuner, Ava Turner, Parker Wilhelm, Camden Wilhelm, Maddox Wilhelm, and Easton Wilhelm; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Ronald Wilhelm and wife Laura, of Ladson, S.C.; two sisters, Tamara Hull and husband John, of Terra Alta and Melvonia Lynn Goines, of Kingwood; sister-in-law, Cathy Wilhelm, of Barberton, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Thomas is preceded in death by a son, Thomas Wilhelm Jr., and brother, Roger Wilhelm.
Friends may call at the Field Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the noon time of service on Monday, March 20, with his niece, Pastor Gina Frazee, officiating. Interment will be held at the Cranesville Cemetery in Cranesville.
Condolences:
fieldfuneralhome.com
