Wesley M. Sykes

HYNER - Wesley Martin Sykes, 63, left his earthly home on June 9, 2012, at the Gatehouse in Williamsport, PA. Leaving behind a legacy of love for his family and the home he built for them, he will surely be missed. Born on October 31, 1948, in Renovo, PA, Wesley was the son of Elizabeth Gavlock Lawless of Lock Haven and the late William 'Boots' Sykes. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and then graduated from Renovo High School in 1966. After graduation, he worked construction helping to build Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, PA, until he was drafted into the US Army and was sent to Vietnam in 1968. While serving with the 1st Infantry Division 'Big Red 1', he was wounded in battle and was awarded a Purple Heart, a Combat Infantry Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in February 1972. Then later on in life, he enlisted in the Army National Guard with the 728th Maintenance Support Battalion based in Lock Haven, PA where he was commended for his contributions to the Retroeur program. He was honorably discharged from the National Guard in 2003. Most of Wes's career was spent as a welder, a trade that was taught to him by his father 'Boots'. He was well respected for his welding skills and fabrication abilities. He was employed by Berwick Forge and Fabricating, United Chem Con, and American Coastal Industries. Then in November 2010, he retired from High Steel Structures in Williamsport, PA. He is survived by his mother of Lock Haven, PA; his loving wife, the former Martha McGregor, whom he married on October 18, 1975; his daughter Lisa and her boyfriend Jesse Overgord of Mill Hall, PA; son Michael and daughter-in-law Kristin of Lock Haven, PA, and grandsons, Aidan Wesley and Landon Bruce, who were Pap-Pap's little buddies. He is also survived by a brother, Harry (Pamela) Sykes of Georgia; sisters Deborah Drewery and Wanda (Michael) Friel of Lock Haven, PA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father in 1975. He was a member of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Renovo, PA. At the church, he served on the Finance Council and worked at the festival every summer. Wesley will always be remembered for his kind ways, his giving spirit, and his talents and abilities. He enjoyed any time that he could go fishing and hunting, especially the times with his son Michael, and his grandson Aidan. The legacy that Wesley left behind will be remembered and live on in the hearts of the lives he touched. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at St. Joseph Church, 925 Huron Ave., Renovo with the Rev. Charles Ugo officiating. Friends and relatives will be received from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Tuesday at the Maxwell Funeral Home, 205 Fifth Street, Renovo and from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the church. The family will provide the flowers, and memorials may be given to the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in care of the Improvement Fund. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hyner.