IN MEMORIAM: Wilbur B. Carr, 91;
WWII Vet Invaded Via Omaha Beach
ONEONTA – Wilbur B. Carr, 91, SUNY Oneonta’s chief custodian and a World War II veteran who participated in the Normandy invasion, passed away quietly on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at Bassett Hospital. He had been living at Focus Rehabilitation & Nursing.
He was born Dec. 26, 1924, in Cooperstown, the son of the late David M. and Martha (Baumes) Carr.
During World War II, he entered France via Omaha Beach in August 1944, and awarded France’s Legion of Honor in 2015.
On Sept. 17, 1958, Wilbur married Irene Foster at the First Presbyterian Church, Oneonta. Irene predeceased him on Nov. 1, 2004. During the last years of Irene’s life, Wilbur never left her side.
Better know by many as “Zip”, he retired from SUNY Oneonta. Before that he worked at LynnCoach on Oneonta’s West End.
Zip was a great outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing until his softball-playing knees kept him at home.
Wilbur is survived by his step son, Terry and Donna Foster of Cary, N.C.; as well as three grandchildren (Shannon Karksi of Vestal, Erin Foster of Endwell, Sean Foster of Vestal); four great grandchildren (Hayden and Nolan Karski and Connor and Gavin Foster); and a nephew Richard Carr in Troy.
A service to celebrate his life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, in the Bookhout Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mark Montfort officiating. Wilbur will be laid to rest next to Irene in the spring in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Meridale.
To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.