Community urged to attend funeral of 96-year-old war vet who dies with no family

Friends of a 96-year-old World War II veteran who passed away today (Monday, 8th May) are asking members of the community to help support them in honouring and saying farewell to Harry Wheeler.

Harry, who was in the Royal Marines during WW2, has no family to mourn him so friends are hoping that some local residents will join them to pay their respects at his funeral on Thursday 18th May.

Harry lived and worked in and around Wilmslow all his life. He was married to Enid for over 50 years and had one child Susan, both of which are deceased. He was a master carpenter, a keen gardener and loved crown green bowling.

Harry lived independently in his own home until the age of of 94 and then in a care home in Macclesfield until his passing on Monday, 8th May.

A friend told wilmslow.co.uk "He was a true gentleman with kind twinkly eyes, a great sense of humour, impressive knowledge of his local area and good friend."

Another friend said "He has no family to mourn him - not a soul in the world. A few extra faces to fill the pews would be a wonderful support to us and much appreciated please."

The funeral of Harry Wheeler will take place at 10.40am on Thursday 18th May at Macclesfield Crematorium.

The drawing of Harry was done by a fellow Marine in 1943 while he was stationed in Italy. His friend told us it was Harry's favourite picture of himself.