Wilber L. Workman

Wilber L. Workman, age 83, of 24 Woodland Road, Shelby, died early Monday morning in Shelby Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. He was born December 25, 1911 in Woodsfield, Ohio the son of Albert and Elizabeth (Jeffers) Workman, and moved to Shelby with his family in 1926.

Always active in sports at Shelby High School, he played varsity football in his junior and senior years. In 1932 he was graduated from Tiffin University, and in that same year began employment with the Standard Tube Company, at that time operated as The Miller-Shelby Products Company. Later that year, he changed jobs and began working in the Order and Service Department of the Ohio Seamless Tube.

Four years later, Wilber joined the personnel at The First National Bank as a Teller, and two years later was promoted to Assistant Cashier. Quick to learn and always eager to assist both his fellow employee and customer, Wilber moved swiftly upward through various offices and positions. He became Vice President and Cashier in 1956, and was also elected to the Board of Directors. Ten years later the Board named him President of the Bank. His advancement and growth with First National culminated in 1973 when he was named Chairman of the Board, and also assumed the position as Executive Officer, retiring February 1, 1975.

As a member of the First United Methodist Church, he had served over 40 years on The Official Board of that church, and had contributed untold hours as Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Wilber is a member of Shelby Lodge # 350, F & AM, a 32nd Degree Mason, and was a past High Priest of Shelby Chapter #178 RAM. Along with other tasks performed for his lodge, he served for many years as Secretary-Treasurer of the Masonic Temple Board.

An enthusiastic citizen of Shelby for many years, he had always been active in civic projects and organizations, generous with both his time and financial support. A term on City Council as a Councilman-at-large, a past president of the Shelby Rotary Club, past Secretary-Treasurer of the Shelby Memorial Hospital Board, and past director of the American Tower Company are examples of how he fulfilled his civic obligations.

To help cushion the financial shock to the area caused when the Air Force Depot was designated to be phased out in the late 1950’s, Wilber was a driving force in organizing the Shelby Area Development Corporation, a group dedicated to assist new industries interested in locating in Shelby.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lorraine (Jeffers) Workman, whom he married on April 9, 1939; 1 brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eugene and Virginia Jeffers of Shelby.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at the Turner Funeral Home in Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Jeff Matthews, officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.

Memorial expressions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Shelby Public Health League and left in care of the funeral home.