Class of 1972
1972 Maroon Spotlight
Doug Wilhelm
All-State Stage Band 69-70, Band 69-72, Band Council 69-70, 71-72, FTA 69-70, Annual Staff 69-70, Jr. Play Cast, Prom Comm.
1972 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Wilhelm, 1201 Locust street, are parents of Douglas Vester Wilhelm, who was born Dec. 17, 1953, in Perry. He attended St. Joseph Catholic school through the seventh grade. He hs been in band since 1968; FTA 1970-71; Christmas vespers 1971; stage band 1969-72; was named to all-state stage band 1969-70; was in the junior play cast and was on the band oucncil 1968-70 and 1971-72. Playing drums is his hobby. He plans to work toward a degree in business administration at NOC.
Douglas Vester Wilhelm
December 17, 1953 – July 12, 2016
Doug V. Wilhelm, 62, was born December 17, 1953, in Perry, Oklahoma to Bennie Joe and Rose Marie Wilhelm and passed on July 12, 2016.
A 1972 graduate of Perry High School, Doug continued his education at Northern Oklahoma College where he was the lead drummer for the roustabouts and Pure Grain band, as well as a member of the legendary Boehme Boys. The Boehme Boys’ story began in the fall of 1972 at Boehme Hall which is named after George Boehme, a custodian at the college for many years. The boys reunited in 1999 playing in annual golf tournaments where the portrait of George Boehme rides in the lead golf cart. They have played at all of the Oklahoma state parks and choose a different course around the state each year.
Doug began working in the oilfield in 1975 and continued his overseas journey for more than 31 years, having the opportunity several times to work with his dad in the middle eastern countries. Currently, Doug was employed at the Ditch Witch manufacturing plant.
His greatest joy in life was spending time with his son, Ian, and grandsons Levi and Gavin. He also enjoyed reading, listening to music, playing his drums, playing golf and was a skilled writer. Doug always gave 110 percent of himself to everything and everyone.
Doug is survived by, his son Ian Wilhelm, Tulsa, grandsons Levi Wilhelm and Gavin Wilhelm, also of Tulsa; a brother, Sid Wilhelm and his wife Janet and a sister, Kim Payne and her husband Mark, all of Perry; and his very good friend and mother of his son, Debbie Mack Willis of Lewisville, Texas. Also, nieces and nephews, Travis Wilhelm, Russell Caldwell, Amanda Fowers, Allison Devilbiss and Jeff Payne, along with great nieces and nephews Hunter, Hannah and Hadley Flowers, Adisyn Sheets and Harper Devilbiss.
Doug was proceeded in death by his parents, B.J. and Rose Marie Wilhelm; a sister, Alicia Wilhelm; grandmothers Feba Wilhelm and Delphine Antle Hodge and grandad, Richard (Dick) Hodge.
No formal service will be held. The family will host a celebration of Doug’s life in the near future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Perry Band Booster organization.