Dr. Wilfred Dwight Webb's Obituary
Dr. Wilfred Dwight Webb, age 95 of Hazel Park, Michigan passed away on July 2, 2016 at home. He was born on March 23, 1921 in Rathbone, Michigan to Thomas Franklin and May Pettit Webb.
Dr. Webb is pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Virginia Rose Webb and his brothers, Morley Webb and Cullen Webb.
He is survived by his son, Stephen (Amy) Webb. Grandfather of Willow, Autumn, Timothy, and Aria. Great-Grandfather of Eliza and (Master) Besi. He is also survived by Ralph Hamlin, his “son” and lifelong friend. Brother-in-law of Patricia Taylor, Colleen Webb Naru, Bethel Webb and James DePalma. Uncle of Maureen (Alan) Hockstra, Myrna (Harry) Woods, Thomas (Elizabeth) Webb, Jean (Greg) Gordon, Cullen D. (Karen) Webb, Rex (Carol) Webb, Rick (Linda) Webb, Robb Taylor and Deanna (James) Heacock.
Wilfred Webb attended elementary and secondary schools in Ithaca, MI. Graduating from Alma College in 1941, he accepted a job teaching for the Hazel Park Public Schools. He quickly became involved in the community in which he lived out the rest of his adult life. Becoming the local Boy Scout leader, lay leader and board member of First United Methodist in Hazel Park, and board member and later Chairman of Oakland General Health Systems and St. John's Health System. Wilfred became Counselor and Assistant Principal at age 27, Principal at age 29, Assistant Superintendent of Schools at age 33, and Superintendent of Hazel Park Community Schools at age 36.
Awarded honorary Doctor of Laws degree from his Alma mater, Alma College in 1970.
He married the love of his life, Virginia, in June 1969. Became a foster parent before he and Virginia adopted their son Steve in 1975. Dr. Webb retired from school district after 17 years as Superintendent in 1974 and ran for Congress. Eventually went to work as an education consultant with the state and adviser to the state Senate Fiscal Committee before winning a special election as State Legislator, holding that seat until retiring after 9 1/2 years.
Held memberships in various professional and community organizations: American Association of School Administrators, President of Michigan Association of School Administrators, Phi Delta Kappa, Association for Childhood Education, board member for Michigan Society of Mental Health, Lions International, board member and lay leader at First United Methodist of Hazel Park, board member and later Chairman of Oakland General Health Systems.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday, July 7th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R. Road (1 block North of 13 Mile Road, West side of John R. Road), Madison Heights, Michigan. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 8th beginning at 9:00 am Instate followed by a 10:00 am service at First United Methodist Church, Hazel Park, Michigan. Burial will take place at Oakview Cemetery, Royal Oak, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Webb's memory to Hazel Park Schools - After School and Summer Programs, "STUDENT THIS", 1620 E. Elza, Hazel Park, MI 48030 and City of Hazel Park, City Library - Dr. Webb, 123 E 9 Mile Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030.
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