Junior Oval Wilfong

Veteran of The Chosin Reservoir, Korea

Junior Oval Wilfong, 88, died at his home surrounded by family on Saturday January 9, 2021.
  
Junior was born on May 26, 1932, in Ten Mile, West Virginia, a son of the late Ace and Grace (Strader) Wilfong.
  He attended Tennerton High School in Buckhannon, West Virginia and enlisted in the US Army in 1949. Following basic training, Junior was deployed to Korea, where he served with Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division and was a participant in the now famous Chosin Reservoir Battle in North Korea. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 1 bronze star and the Army Occupation Medal (Japan). Following combat operations he participated in the Honor Guard detail in Seattle, WA.

Upon returning home, Junior worked at Lake City Malliable Iron, in Ashtabula, making castings, later American Water Works in Ashtabula, OH,(Now Aqua Ohio) initially as a meter reader, then worked outside crew and lastly Plant Operator. Junior was the Union President for over 30 years for the American Water Works, Ashtabula Local Union # 397 , retiring in 1997. 

Junior was an avid hunter and fisherman in his younger years.  He devoted his time to taking care of his daughter, Patricia, whom was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. 
 
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn C. (Welsh) Wilfong, whom he married on July 16, 1971 in Ashtabula, OH; a daughter, Patricia A. Wilfong; sisters, Lillian Zirkle, Margie Markley, Norma Sencil; brothers, Coye, Gerald, Denver, and Loye "Red" Wilfong.
  
Junior is survived by his daughters; Cynthia M. Ring (Sam) of East Springfield, PA, and Susan Konopa; sons, Jerry Wilfong (Peggy) and Randy Wilfong (Sandy); a sister, Philastianada "Sis" Sencel (Tom); a brother, Daniel "Danny" Wilfong (Carolyn); six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren . 

Memorials may be made to Springfield Volunteer Fire Department 11959 Main St, East Springfield, PA 16411. 
A graveside service will be held at a later date at Springfield Cemetery. 
To send condolences please visit www.edderfuneralhome.com.
  
  
 

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