Kenneth H. “Mike” Wesco, age 85, resident of VanCrest of New Carlisle formerly of Casstown passed away Monday, May 13, 2019. He was born on February 11, 1934 in Troy, OH to the late Horace “Shorty” and Carrie (Staley) Wesco. Mike is survived by his wife of 61 years: Thelma (Ryman) Wesco; sons: Michael Wesco and Gregory (Diana) Wesco; granddaughters: Meredith and Jillian Wesco; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant son; brothers: Joe, Chuck, Virgil, Horace “Bosco” and Edward; sisters: Anna, Audrey, Betty and Norma Jean. Mike was a 1952 graduate of Troy High School and served his country in the US Navy. As a youth he spent his days watching westerns at the Jewel Theatre in Troy.
He grew up in a musical family and played and performed music since he was a little boy. In the 60’s he and two friends, Jim McGuire and Jon Lynn performed together as The Starliters. They appeared on the nationally televised Ted Mack Show “The Original Amateur Hour” in New York City (a modern day Star Search/American Idol) winning the contest.
While in the US Navy, he won an all-talent show for naval officers in Japan. He also gave private guitar lessons to several commanders and their wives. Mike worked at Troy Lumber and BF Goodrich where he retired in 1996.
He built the family home known as the Wesco Ranch where he kept busy with projects making the property an area of recreation for area church groups. Hayrides, movie theatre in the Hay loft, inside putt putt golf course, bowling alley, go-carts, basketball, volleyball and the infamous ‘race cars’ were all part of the memories made at the Wesco Ranch. Mike was a regular at K’s Hamburgers.
He was a long time member of the Church of Christ in Christian Union in Christiansburg, Ohio. He played music in church as well as in the community through the years at Joyland Restaurant, Tipp of the Town Restaurant, Fulton Farms, local coffee shops and was even performing his music for those in his care center as recent as February of this year. The family would like to thank the staff at VanCrest of New Carlisle and Ohio Hospice for the excellent care they gave to Mike.
Family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Baird Funeral Home in Troy with Graveside Service to follow at Casstown Cemetery, Casstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45420. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.
bairdfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to: Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton OH 45420 Web: www.
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