Byron Wentz
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Dr. Byron E. Wentz 1924-2009
MOREHEAD - Dr. Byron Emerson Wentz, 85, passed away at St. Claire Regional Medical Center on Friday, September 25, 2009, following a two-year battle with cancer. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, a treasured grandfather and a proud great-grandfather. His friends know that his faith and his family were priorities throughout his life. Although he will be greatly missed, his family and friends rejoice that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dr. Wentz, a retired self-employed Morehead optometrist, was the first optometrist in Kentucky to possess a Doctor of Optometry Degree. He attended Stockton Junior College in California and transferred to Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he earned degrees in Biology and his Doctor of Optometry degree. He was a member of the Blue Key men's honorary fraternity and Omega Epsilon Phi optometric fraternity.
After graduation, he moved his family to Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, where he worked as an Optometrist from 1953 to 1957. In 1957 he moved to Morehead, where he practiced optometry until he retired in 1992. Byron Wentz, OD was active in his professional organizations. He was a member of the Kentucky Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association for more than 50 years.He served on the Optometric Board of Examiners and was President of the Kentucky Optometric Association.
One of five children, he was born in Kenton, Ohio, on April 12, 1924. His parents were the late Lloyd Emerson Read Wentz and Ida Dell Ramge. Dr. Wentz is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen Grace Tierce Wentz of Morehead, whom he wed on July 14, 1945, at Greenwood Methodist Church in Greenwood, Mississippi; two daughters: Carol Jean Wentz Boyd (Fred) of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, and Linda Kay Wentz LoGrasso (Vito) of Oakley, California; three grandchildren: Melissa Lynn Hines Reichert (David) of Fairborn, Ohio, Michael Byron Boyd (Riann) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Stephen Luke Edwards of Davis, California; two great grandchildren: Madelyn Grace Reichert and Caitlyn Alease Reichert; one brother, Stanley Elmer Wentz of Baakeela, Florida; one sister, Ruth Anna Wentz Sijan of Ft. Myers, Florida; and numerous other family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a half-brother, Arden Wentz from Cincinnati, Ohio; one brother, Wayne Elmer Wentz of Huron, Ohio; and one daughter, Marjorie Sue Wentz Hines of Columbus, Ohio.
After graduating from Kenton Ohio High School, Dr. Wentz joined the military on February 3, 1943. After basic and flight school training in the United States, he went overseas on the USS Argentina. A man full of humor and wit, Dr. Wentz often joked about going overseas by rail, due to the rough winter seas! He was assigned to the US Army Air Corps' Fifteenth Air Force, 756th Squadron of the 459th Bomb Group. Stationed in Cherignola, Italy, where he was a 1st Lt. and became a B-24 First Pilot in 1945. He was honorably discharged from Randolph Field, Texas. His medals included the: Purple Heart, Air Medal, ETO Medal with five Campaign Stars, WW2 Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and Good Conduct Medal. During his time in the military, he had the privilege to fly a PT13A Stearman, BT13A Vultee Vibrator, and B24J Liberator and B52 Bombers. He at one time planned to become a commercial pilot until Helen grounded him. Byron never lost his love of flying and was a founding member and officer of the 459th Bomb Group Association, which just celebrated its 26th year.
As a member of the Morehead United Methodist Church, he served on numerous committees and boards, including the Administrative Board, Staff Parrish Committee, and the Board of Trustees and was a member of the Builders Class and the Methodist Men. He was also a member of the Morehead Men's Club, the Optimist Club and the Investor's Club.
Byron loved Morehead State University, was a member of the Quarterback Club and was a Morehead State University Fellow. For decades, Byron and Helen had season tickets and attended home basketball and football games.
The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at Morehead United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, with the Rev. Bruce Nettleton and Dr. Jack Ellis officiating. A graveside ceremony will follow at Lee Cemetery with full military rites conducted by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126.
Pallbearers: Michael Byron Boyd, Stephen Luke Edwards, Jim LeMaster, Dr. Mac Luckey, Dr. Anthony Mayo, John Northcutt, Dr. David Saxon, and Dr. Randy Steele.
Memorial gifts may be made in Byron's name to Morehead United Methodist Church, 227 W. Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351 or Morehead State University Foundation, Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351.
2nd Lt Byron E Wentz was assigned to the 459th BG 756th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Pilot.
The following information on Byron Wentz is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt Wentz. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Byron Wentz's military record please contact us.
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Rank |
General Order |
Date |
Notes |
Award |
Ribbon & Device |
Byron Wentz |
2nd Lt |
2568 |
04/20/1945 |
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AM |
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Byron Wentz |
2nd Lt |
2640 |
04/20/1945 |
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AM |
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Please contact us with any biographical data, pictures or other information regarding the service and life of Byron Wentz.
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