Virginia Evelyn Wehmeyer

Virginia Evelyn (Lyder) Wehmeyer was born on April 23, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York to Edward and Grace (Morgan) Lyder. She passed from this life on January 4, 2010 to join her beloved mother and husband in the arms of the Lord. Abandoned by her father, Virginia was raised by her mother in New York City during the Great Depression. She graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1937 and attended business school in Brooklyn. In October, 1944, Virginia and a girlfriend traveled to Florida for a two week vacation. There on a St. Petersburg beach, she met the love of her life, Second Lieutenant George Wehmeyer. Three weeks later they were married. While her husband flew 25 missions over Europe, Virginia returned to Brooklyn to await the return of her husband and the birth of her first child. After the war Virginia traveled with her newborn son, Donald, to join her husband at his home in Missouri. The family lived in several towns in Missouri, moving for George's job with Standard Oil. In 1956, the family settled in High Ridge, Missouri, where George and Virginia worked together to build Wehmeyer Heating and Cooling into a successful business. While living in High Ridge, their daughter, Brenda, was born. In 1983, the family moved to Abilene, Texas due to George's failing health. After George's death, Virginia began a new career working in her son's medical office. She loved her job and looked forward to going to work every day. Virginia also developed a love for traveling especially cruising. With her family, she traveled around the world exploring such destinations as the USSR and Bora and Bora. No matter where she went, she never met a stranger. In spite of failing health, Virginia always had a smile and a kind word for those around her. Though she faced many health obstacles in recent years, she always had a positive outlook and worked hard to get better. Now that her struggle has ended, we know that she walks hand in hand with her George again. Virginia is survived by her son, Dr. Donald Wehmeyer and wife Pat, daughter, Brenda Wehmeyer, grandson, Michael Wehmeyer and wife Melissa, all of Abilene, granddaughter, Wendy Wehmeyer, of Mesquite, grandson, Jeff Wehmeyer and wife Julie and great-grandsons Andrew and Nicholas, all of Lake Bluff, Illinois. There are many people who helped Virginia during the past years. The family would like to thank of the following people who provided such loving care: Slim Herman and the staff of Abilene Home Health, the wonderful caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care with special thanks to her longtime care-giver, Katy Shepard, the nurses and aides on Station 4 at Wisteria Nursing Station, the nurses, aides, and volunteers from Hendrick Hospice Care with special thanks to Carrie Sunday. Thank you also to all of the caring doctors who have attended to our mother, with special thanks to Victor Hudman for his loving care over the past years. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory Street, Abilene, Texas 79601; the Presbyterian Medical Care Mission, 1857 Pine Street, Suite 100, Abilene, Texas 79601; or to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 903, Abilene, Texas 79604. Virginia's favorite saying was "How do you want to be remembered?" She will be remembered with love and laughter. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, at First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene, with Dr. Clifford S. Stewart and Rev. Janice Six officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Interment was in Smith Creek Methodist Cemetery in Treloar, Missouri.