Wilbur L. Iley

Wilbur L. Iley, lifelong Harford County resident who was awarded the Bronze Star for valor while serving his country during World War II, died of natural causes at the Forest Hill Medical and Rehabilitation Center. He was 94.

Born on the family farm off Grier Nursery Road in Street, he attended Highland High School, graduating in 1937. He worked on the 70-acre farm until he was called into service. An expert marksman who was a rifle platoon leader, Master Sgt. Iley of Company "F" 276th Infantry Division 70th Division suffered severe battle wounds in Forbach, France. After more than two years in Walter Reed Hospital, and undergoing 17 operations, he recovered from his wounds, returning to Harford County.

He joined his brother-in-law and sister, Mervin and Louise Amrein, in a family grocery store business in Fallston. During this time he met and married his wife of 66 years, Lois Howard of Weslaco, Tex.

Mr. Iley then undertook a job testing milk which led to a position with the Maryland Artificial Breeders Association that he held until his retirement.

His many interests included searching, finding and documenting pre-historic artifacts. His affinity for archeology was sparked in the mid-1960's when he helped his son find an arrowhead. Over the following half-century his collection of artifacts numbered in the thousands and is still considered among the largest in the region. A charter member of the Harford County Archeological Society, his finds included projectile points, axe heads, pottery shards and tools. He concentrated his searches on the Susquehanna Region and other areas in Harford County. One of his sites where soapstone vessels were found has been named the Wilbur Iley Site #1 (18HA248). Additionally he worked extensively on the excavation of Florida's King Plantation and searched the Anasazia Ruins in New Mexico. He made numerous presentations to elementary school classes and various organizations.

As part of his rehabilitation upon leaving Walter Reed Hospital after the war, Mr. Iley was instructed by his physicians to involve himself in an activity that would relax him. He mentioned fishing. They encouraged him to pursue it. He became an expert at fishing for rock and shad on the Susquehanna River, eventually instructing fishermen along its shores from Maryland and Pennsylvania. As an outfitter, his clients included former Maryland governor, Theodore McKeldin. In the 1950's he finished first in five consecutive shad tournaments. He also set the fresh water record for the one piece light spinning rod with 10-pound test line when he landed a 26-pound rock fish.

Dating back to his childhood days when one grew and raised what one ate, Mr. Iley planted an elaborate vegetable garden each year. His tomatoes, cantaloupe, corn and pole lima beans were favorites with his Fallston neighbors. He often engaged his children and later his grandchildren to sell the produce with revenue defraying tuition costs.

An avid sports fan, Mr. Iley followed the Baltimore Colts, Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. He considered an autographed lithograph of Brooks Robinson to be among his most favorite keepsakes, along with the gift of an autographed photo of Jim Nabors who portrayed Gomer Pyle on the Andy Griffith Show, his favorite television program.

Mr. Iley is survived by his wife, Lois, a sister, Louise Amrein of Joppa, a son, John Iley of Pittsburg, Kansas, daughters Sandra Schlehr of Bel Air and Eleanor Welkner of Street. His passing was preceded by the death of his daughter, Jacqueline, and a sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Moore. Mr. Iley had six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Fallston Presbyterian Church, 600 Fallston Road, P.O. Box 54, Fallston, MD 21047 or The Archeological Society of Northern Chesapeake, c/o Chris Schlehr, Membership Secretary, 1320 Ryan Road Fallston, MD 21047-1631