Retired captain of Cleveland Fire Department ladder company
February 27, 1942 - February 7, 2024
Oliver Lee Wimbush was born February 27, 1942, in Thorpe, West Virginia to the late Clarence and Jeanette Wimbush. He was the youngest of five children, with four older sisters.
Oliver attended public school in Gary, West Virginia, graduating from Gary District HS. He then enlisted in the United States Marines in 1960 and was assigned to the transportation unit while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
After his honorable discharge in 1964 he moved to Cleveland, where he chanced to meet Mary Elizabeth Harris. Within a seven-month period, he realized Mary would be the ideal life-long partner. They were married in 1966.
Oliver worked at Cleveland Pneumatics as a machinist prior to joining the Cleveland Fire Department on June 11, 1973. He was promoted to lieutenant on February 10, 1983, and to captain on March 26, 1993. He retired on June 6, 1996, as officer in charge of Ladder 10 with the rank of captain.
Oliver loved spending time with family and friends, especially the “old-timers” of the Cleveland Vanguards and alumni members of Gary District High School. He enjoyed playing cards, watching sports, and attending school reunions.
Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Phyllis Hester, Ramonia Longs and Mary Buchanan.
He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Mary Wimbush; son Michael Anthony Wimbush of Columbus, Ohio; sister, Glenora (John) Anderson, of Louisville, KY; sisters-in-law Linda Harris and Vanessa Hinton of Cleveland, Ohio and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 16 from 4p-8p at Calhoun Funeral Home, 23000 Rockside Rd. [44146].
The funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, February 17, beginning at 10:30a. A wake will precede the service at 10a. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park, 5505 Northfield Rd. [44146].
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