Captain Wilburn Harley Wolfe, 56, of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Sedalia, passed away Friday, November 26, 2021.
He was born February 26, 1965, in Sedalia, a son of the late Donnie Eugene Wolfe, Sr. and Margaret Joann (Salmons) Avey. On January 17, 2006, in Las Vegas, NV, he married Claudia Paula Niculescu, who survives of the home.
Wil was a 1983 graduate of Smithton High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served 1984-1988, attaining the rank of Corporal. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Prescott Arizona, graduating in 1992.
He had a passion for flying, and with the encouragement of the father of a fellow Marine, he chose to become a pilot. He was honored to be a Marine and proud of being a Captain at American Airlines.
Wil enjoyed hunting and being in the outdoors. He loved to explore the world and learn other cultures. He was passionate about music and was constantly surrounded by it.
Wil laughed with his whole heart and never left an opinion unsaid. He was a Christian and led by example through charitable giving throughout the year, constantly supporting those around him with a positive word, love and kindness, and even opening his home to those who needed it.
He loved his family and enjoyed presenting daisies to his mother and roses to his wife.
All dogs seemed to love Wil and it was no secret that he loved them too, since he was constantly surrounded by them at home.
Wil’s legacy is found in the friends and family he created throughout his life, the stories they all have and the lessons he passed on.
In addition to his wife, Claudia, survivors include: Mother-in-law, Valeria Niculescu; Father-in-law, Stefan Niculescu; Stepfather, Ron Avey; Brothers, Richie Wolfe and Donnie Wolfe Jr; Sister, Melissa Avey; Daughter, Meaghan Hurn; Son-in-law, Kyle Hurn; Daughter, Callie Rogers; Son-in-law, Dustin Rogers and Grandchildren: Ryan Hurn, Matthew Rogers, Lilah Rogers and Zoe Rogers.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donnie Wolfe Sr.; mother, Joann Avey.
Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Heckart Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 3, 2021 at Heckart Funeral Home with Brother Jerry Reed officiating. Pallbearers will be Richie Wolfe, Jim Haislip, Lyle Avey, Darin Lynn, Blaine Dapper, Kyle Hurn, Dustin Rogers and Bryce Wolfe.
Burial will be in Brushy Chapel Cemetery in Benton County with full military honors at graveside.
Following burial, a reception will be held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Post #642.
The family asks flowers and cards be sent to Heckart Funeral Home or memorial contributions are suggested to Tunnel to Towers, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Gary Sinise Foundation in care of Heckart Funeral Home.