Kenneth Wayne
Wheatley, 83
LINCOLN, DE - Kenneth Wayne Wheatley passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. Ken was born in Milford, DE the son of the late Jesse and Shirley (Conway) Wheatley. He was a graduate of Laurel High School in 1958.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Ken served on the Delaware State Police. He was appointed a Trooper on January 1, 1964 and graduated from the 23rd Recruit Class. During his career Ken served at Troop 1, Penny Hill; Troop 4, Georgetown and Troop 7, Dewey Beach. Ken served on patrol and then as a Detective, Troop 4. His last assignment was Criminal Lieutenant Troop 7. Lieutenant Ken Wheatley #262 retired on January 1, 1984. He then went on to work for MBNA for several years before retiring in 2001. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, was a Life Member of the Association of Retired Delaware State Police, served on the Board of Shawnee Country Club and was a former member of the Laurel American Legion. Ken loved to golf and would travel to Virginia Beach each year to play. He was a little league baseball coach as well as a Pop Warner football coach in Laurel. Most important to Ken was his family, especially attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his sister, Katheryn Bassett; and an uncle, Joseph E. Sullivan.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda (Niblett) Wheatley; his children, Kevin Wayne Wheatley (Denise), Beth Ann Smick (Bryan), Kenda L. Ennis (Richie), and Nicole R. Cahall (Robert); and his beloved grandchildren, Jesse Wheatley, Regan Wheatley, Joshua Ennis and Emma Holt.
A viewing will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Lofland Funeral Home, Milford, DE where funeral services will be held at 1 pm. Burial with State Police Honors will be in Milford Community Cemetery, N. Walnut Street, Milford. The family has asked for those in attendance to be dressed in country club casual.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to either Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware 19963 or to the DSP Museum, P.O Box 430, Dover, DE 19903-0430.