Obituary of Thomas Alvie Wilhelm Sr.

Thomas Alvie Wilhelm, Sr., 67, of Morgantown, WV, passed away at home on March 16, 2023. He was born on July 26, 1955, in Wadsworth, OH, 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; 9 grandchildren, Alana Riley, Nikayla Jennings, Talia Goodwin, Cole Tuner, Ava Turner, Parker Wilhelm, Camden Wilhelm, Maddox Wilhelm, and Easton Wilhelm; 6 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ronald Wilhelm and wife Laura of Ladson, SC; two sisters, Tamara Hull and husband John of Terra Alta and Melvonia Lynn Goines of Kingwood; sister-in-law Cathy Wilhelm of Barberton, OH; 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 on Monday, March 20, 2023, from 10:00 am until the 12:00 noon time of service with his niece, Pastor Gina Frazee officiating. Interment will be held at the Cranesville Cemetery in Cranesville, WV. Condolences may be made at fieldfuneralhome.com.