92, Oblong, IL
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 11:00am Saturday July 14, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Oblong, IL. Burial in Kirk Cemetery.
Visitation: 9:00 -11:00am Saturday July 14, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Oblong.
Memorials: First Baptist Church of Oblong or Oblong Schools Academic Foundation.
Arkell W. Wisely, 92, of Oblong, IL passed away on Monday July 9, 2018 at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL.
He was born in Elkville, IL on September 9, 1925 to Fred C. Wisely and Nellie Grace (Todd) Wisely. On August 16, 1952 he married Norma Elizabeth Sneed who survives.
Arkell started his teaching career as a high school biology and social studies teacher. He also coached several team at Sesser Goode Barren School, Elkville Schools and Seneca Schools before become the Superintendent of Schools in Palmyra, IL. In 1971 he became the Superintendent of Oblong Schools, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the Elkville High School Class of 1943, and graduated from Monmouth College in 1950. He was also a member of the Lions Club in Oblong and Seneca, IL; member of EC-100, which was made up of school Superintendents from all over Southern Illinois; a very active member of the Oblong First Baptist Church where he had served as Deacon and Sunday School director, and both Arkell and Norma were members of the Nature Conservancy for many years. Students in some of the schools he had taught in had also made him an honorary member of the FFA. Arkell had also served in the United States Navy during WWII. Arkell was an avid vegetable gardener and enjoyed watching all kinds of sports. He mostly followed the University of Michigan and the St. Louis Cardinals. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Norma Wisely, Oblong, IL; two sons and daughter-in-law Donald and Kathy Wisely, Oblong, IL and Stephen D. Wisely, Oblong, IL; a daughter and son-in-law Debora and Mike Walls, Robinson, IL; four grandchildren Joel Wisely, Robb and Kaley Wisely, Kevin Wall and fiancé Francesca Baglieri, Rachel and Lupe Hernandez. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law Tom and Joanne Wisely, Sun City, FL., and a sister Audrey Rich, Cypress, TX along with several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister Kathleen King.
Condolences and or memories may be sent to the family at www.oblongfuneralhome.com
Pulliam Funeral Home Oblong, IL is in charge of arrangements.
