William P. Wolfe, Jr.

Our hero, William Paul "Bill" Wolfe Jr., Peru, passed peacefully from his 93-year earthly life on Thursday Dec. 23, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne holding the hand of his oldest grandson, William Paul Wolfe IV. He was born July 16, 1928 to William Paul and Edna Marie (Prather) Wolfe Sr. In 1946, he began following the footsteps of his father and went to work for Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad in Muncie as a telegraph operator. In 1948, he joined the U.S. Army where he attained the rank of Corporal. He served in the occupation of Korea, later stationing in Leavenworth, Kansas, where he ran a telecommunications office until 1950 when he was honorably discharged and awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Immediately afterward, he went to work for the Wabash Railroad, which later became Norfolk & Western and subsequently Norfolk & Southern, where he retired as a dispatcher in 1990. On November 25, 1951, he married Barbara Jean Summers in Montpelier, Ohio. She preceded him in death January 16, 2014. Bill was a loving father, husband, and friend, always putting the needs of others ahead of his own. In 1963, he and his younger brother Reginald Wolfe founded Wolfe's Sunoco in Mexico, which Reggie continues to operate today. Bill enjoyed woodworking, building beautiful furniture for the family. After retirement, he turned his hobby into a small business building picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. He volunteered at Helping Hands and Meals on Wheels for many years. He attended Mexico Baptist Church and First Church of the Brethren. He was also a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of Peru Elks Lodge #365. Bill was predeceased by one son, William Paul Wolfe III, two sisters, Patsy Plaue and Barb Beachler, and a brother, Courtney Wolfe. Keeping his memory are one son, Michael Wolfe (Diane), Macy; three daughters, Gina P. Lopez, Peru; Julie A. White (Carl), Peru; and Amanda Redman, Peru: daughter-in-law Brenda Wolfe, Peru; one sister, Sharon Staller (Jerry), Garrett, two brothers, Reginald Wolfe (Karla), Mexico, and Ronnie Wolfe (Linda), Fort Wayne; Thirteen grandchildren, William Paul Wolfe IV (Christine) Cambridge City, Jeffrey W. Wolfe, Indianapolis, Noah Wolfe (Trinda) Weston, MO, Joseph Wolfe, Delphi, Amber M. (Kenny) Wheetley, Macy, Brandi Turner (Lawrence), Peru, Christian Wolfe, Macy, Melissa Rood (Robert), Peru, Zachary (Stefanie) White, Macy, April Lopez, Peru, Tony Lopez, Indianapolis, Gipsy Redman, Indianapolis, Kalika Redman, Chicago; three step-grandchildren Dawn Stapleton (Jessie Sons), Cynthia Elliott (James), and Anthony Stapleton (Jen), Peru; Great-Grandchildren Anne Marie Wolfe, Tommy Wolfe, Jordan Wolfe, Quinn Wolfe, Lorelei Wolfe, Hannah Grismore, Reece Grismore, Abby Rood, Robert Rood, Rebecca Rood, Savannah Rood, JC White, Benjamin White, Levi White, Hailey Wolfe, Mackenzie Wolfe, Brady Turner, Toby Turner, Audrey Turner, Jase Wolfe, Carter Hopper, and Maci Durham; step great-grandchildren, Nicholas Stapleton, Dalton Church, Cheyenne Sons, Nevaeh Elliott, Angelina Elliott, Hannah Mueller, Hannah Garcia, Emily Stapleton and Kyndal Wheetley; one great-great-grandchild, Charlee Rood; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. A celebration of his amazing life will be held at 3 pm Wednesday in Mexico Baptist Church with military rites provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Family and friends may call noon until the time of service. A private graveside service will be held later at Ever Rest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helping Hands. Eikenberry Eddy Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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