Richard Wanex, Sr

Richard Leo “Dick” Wanex, Sr., 90, of Secretary died on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the UMSMC at Dorchester.
Born October 5, 1925 he was the eldest child of the late Leo & Mary Wanex of Secretary.
Dick was drafted in the Army, Dec 23, 1943 during the height of WWII. He served with Co. H 119th Infantry, 30th Division (Old Hickory) under the command of Gen. Omar Bradley and Gen. George Patton. During combat it was known as the “Workhorse of the Western Front" and also referred to as "Roosevelt's SS Troops", so named by the German High Command because of the consistent vigor and pressure the 30th Infantry brought to bear on Hitler's 'elite' 1st SS Division. In total he received 19 medals, most notably receiving the “Bronze Star” for volunteering to carry supplies to a platoon which had been under intense artillery and mortar fire for two days. He made six trips under such conditions. On his final trip, he and a comrade carried a wounded soldier back with them. He also received a “Silver Star” representing 5 bronze stars. Dick said “they threw me into any battle that needed to be fought". He stormed the beach at Normandy, part of the D-day Invasion, and fought in battles in Northern France, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe. He was captured by the Nazis and later rescued by the Americans.
Dick was honorably discharged from serving his country in 1945 and returned home to Secretary. On June 25, 1955 he married Beverly “Bubbles” Cox of Cambridge and together raised nine children. “Bubbles” died on July 31, 2006.
In 1994, he and his wife attended the 45th reunion in Belgium. They spent 3 weeks touring Omaha Beach and retracing their steps through the battles. He was inducted into the WWII Memorial in D.C., Nov. 11, 2009.
Prior to the military, Dick drove for Rickwood Trucking, hauling & maintaining equipment. Then went on to own a small trucking company. Having a home in Sanford, FL & Secretary, he hauled back and forth to FL, while also moonlighting for Dick Todd rebuilding diesel engines.
In 1969, he opened Dick Wanex Trailer Repair & Sales. In 1970, he brought the very first Utility Trailer franchise this side of the Mississippi to the area. Every year Dick would throw a crab feast with people coming from all over the country.
He was a member of the American Legions in Hurlock & Cambridge and the V.F.W. in Federalsburg.
He was a life- long member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church which he helped build.
Dick’s family was everything to him. His stories, his laughter and him just being “Dad” will truly be missed.
Surviving him are his children Steven “Peanut” Wanex, Renee’ Wanex, Rochelle “Shelly” Martinek (Howard), Lauren Wanex (Dave Nickerson), Mary L. Mabry (Dennis) and Shannon Parker (Kevin); brothers William “Bill” Wanex (Pat), Jerome Wanex; sisters Martha Griffin (Ron) and Joanie McFadden (Larry); 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceding him in death besides his parents and wife were two sons Richard L. Wanex, Jr. and Michael E. Wanex; daughter Taressa A. Wanex; granddaughter Kristen Taylor Wanex and grandson Adam Gumpman; brothers Albert, Thomas, Louis, Harold and Joseph Wanex; sisters Mary Walters and AnnaLee Wanex.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening, March 1, 2016 from 6 to 8 pm at Our Lady Of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Secretary, MD
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 beginning 11 am at the church with Celebrants Rev. Stephen Lonek and Rev. Mike Casari. Family will receive friends the hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dick’s grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick’s name can be made to Heroes Haven, Inc., P.O. Box 357, Sharptown, MD 21861.
Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge MD.
To share online condolences with the family, please visit www.newcombcollins.com

Visitation

6 - 8 p.m. ,Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Our Lady Of Good Counsel Catholic Church
115 Main St. Secretary , MD, Dorchester 21664

Visitation

10:00 - 10:50 a.m. ,Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Our Lady Of Good Counsel Catholic Church
115 Main St. Secretary , MD, Dorchester 21664

Mass of Christian Burial

11 a.m. ,Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Our Lady Of Good Counsel Catholic Church
115 Main St. Secretary , MD 21664

Interment

12:15 pm ,Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Our Lady Of Good Counsel Catholic Church Cemetery
115 Main St. Secretary , MD 21664
Notes: Military Honors