JOHN RAYMOND WETHERELL, 84, peacefully passed from this life on December 23, 2008.  He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Georgia Wetherell, a son, John Wetherell, Jr. (San Diego, CA), daughter, Susan Wetherell (Wharton, NJ), step-daughters Jennifer Jackson (Marshfield, MO) and Deborah Cline (St Petersburg, FL).  He treasured his five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  He is survived by siblings, Etta Derocha, Mary Wheaton and James Wetherell as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was widowed in 1973 when his wife of twenty-six years, Norma passed and was preceded in death by his brothers Harold, Walter, Richard, William and Charles, and his sisters, Dottie and Hazel.

As one of 11 children born in Killingly, CT, John joined the Army during World War II and was captured by enemy forces in Italy.  He remained a German prisoner-of-war until the end of the war and continued his service to our country during the Korean Conflict and as a member of the Army National Guard for 30 years.  Aside from his military career, Mr. Wetherell was an executive with Maas Brothers downtown St Petersburg for 30 years.

Upon retiring in 1981, John and Georgia Wetherell relocated to Missouri and eventually back to Florida in 1986.  Together they enjoyed traveling, camping, jigsaw puzzles and gardening.  He loved nature and all animals, especially his late terrier ‘Taffy’. 

John Wetherell possessed a truly gentle heart and a gracious soul.  As a quiet man, he never drew attention to himself and basked in the love and accomplishments of his family.  He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and leaves a void in the lives of all he loved and those who loved him.  He will be greatly missed and forever treasured.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Bay Pines VA Hospice are appreciated.

Graveside service and internment at Bay Pines National Cemetery, Bay Pines, Florida