Perry Wise

Attorney Perry George Wise, 86, of Van Wert, Ohio, died early Thursday morning, September 30, 2010 at his residence, after a lengthy illness. He was born July 25, 1924, in Van Wert, Ohio, to John Nelson and Freeda Alveta (Crow) Wise. He married Mary Jo Davis who preceded in death on July 25, 1951. On March 21, 1953, he married Edith JoAnn Richards, and she survives in Van Wert. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was one of the survivors of the Chosin Reservoir. After May, 1951, he served as a legal officer and also in the infantry. Upon returning home, he served 33 years in the active reserves of the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Surviving in addition to his wife JoAnn are his four children, Debra Jo McConahy, Van Wert; Cynthia Jo Wise, South Bend, Indiana; Perry G. Wise, Jr., Urbana, Ohio; and Dr. Brent R. Wise, New York, New York. He is also survived by his four grandchildren Megan McConahy, Devin (Kylie Vibbert) McConahy, Bethyn (Patrick) McConahy Nekoranec, Taylor Charles Wise, one great grandson, Maxton McConahy, and one step-great grandson, Brok Grimes. A sister, Vivian Ruth (Wise) Otten, Centerville, Ohio survives. He was formerly a member of the United Calvary Church, Van Wert, where he held various offices: Treasurer, Trustee, and at the time of the merger, he was chairman of the Administration Council. Presently, he was a member of the Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church, Van Wert. His other accomplishments included Past President of the Van Wert Jaycees, PSO Outstanding Young Man of the Year, Past Vice President of the Ohio Jaycees, First President of the Van Wert County United Way, Past Exalted Ruler of the Van Wert Elks Lodge, #1197, Past Co-Chairman of the Elks Cerebral Palsy Committee, Past Commander of Post #178 American Legion, Past President of the Van Wert Bar Association, Past President of the Northwest Ohio Bar Association, 30 years service on the Ohio State Board of Judicial Reform Committee, Common Pleas Court General Division Judge--1977-1982, Trustee of Western Ohio Educational Foundation which supports Wright State University Lake Campus, Past President of Western Ohio Educational Foundation, Past Executive Director of Van Wert County Child Advocates, Inc. (CASA). He was a life member of the Van Wert Elks Lodge, #1197, a member of the Van Wert Moose Lodge #1320, a member of the Delphos Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie # 471, a member of the Navy Club of the United States ship #726, a member of the Delphos Post #0268 of the American Legion, a life member of the Van Wert VFW Post #5803, a member of the American Bar Association, and a member of the Chosin Few. He was an avid Reds and Ohio State fan. He also enjoyed snow mobiling, and he thoroughly enjoyed playing bridge. Memorial services will be held at the Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church, 8164 Richey Rd., Van Wert, Ohio, on Sunday, October 17, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Saturday, October 16, from 2-8 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. [photosmash id=33]