Granville 'Sonny' Warren Wehland Obituary (1934 - 2018)

Born Sep 09, 1934, Granville 'Sonny' Warren Wehland attended Howard High School in Ellicott City, MD. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Granville 'sonny' Warren Wehland.

Graduation Year	Class of 1953
Date of Birth	Sep 09, 1934
Date of Passing	Mar 18, 2018
About	Granville "Sonny" Warren Wehland passed away peaceful at Lighthouse Senior Living in Ellicott City, MD on March 18, 2018. Sonny was born one of nine children to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wadsworth Wehland. He grew up on a large farm in what is now Columbia, MD and served as an acolyte at nearby Christ Episcopal Church (known as "Old Brick"). He was in the first graduating class of Howard High School and received his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Baltimore. Sonny spent his entire career serving the local community as Chief of the Bureau of Highways for Howard County, MD. Sonny is accredited as a pioneer in highway engineering in what was then rural Howard County. In the mid-1960's, Sonny partnered with the late Senator James Clark, Jr. to garner support for anti-discrimination legislation that would allow African American to enter public places in Maryland. In a 2008 Baltimore Sun article, Sonny, was quoted as saying, "I didn't understand then-just as I can't comprehend now- why anyone cared about the color of someone's skin". In the mid-1960's when James W. Rouse came along with plans for Columbia, Sonny wrote the codes for all the roads being built for Town Center and the villages. Rouse's vision of people of different races, nationalities and incomes living and working together was shared by the highway engineer. About the same time, Sonny's close friend, James Clark Jr., was elected to the Maryland Senate. It wasn't long before Clark asked for Sonny's help in building local support for a groundbreaking piece of legislation. Sonny was quoted as saying, "When Jimmy Clark wanted my help on a state public accommodations law, I went right along with him because we knew it was the right thing to do." The measure sought to guarantee that all people be permitted to enter all public places in Maryland, including restaurants, hotels and theaters. After a protracted battle in the Senate, the bill was passed and later enacted. Sonny, a lifelong Democrat and ardent Obama supporter, remained active in local politics all his life. He coordinated the visit of Senator John F. Kennedy while he campaigned for president in Maryland. He proudly accompanied Kennedy on the Maryland tour and gathered local support for his election. He and his then fianc Connie, attended the Kennedy inaugural ball and recall being stranded in the terrible snow storm that evening. Sonny said that after enough champagne the snow was no longer an issue. In 1963, Sonny married Mary Constance (Connie) Colbert. Sonny and his family lived in the historic district of Ellicott City in a home known as the "Crow's Nest". The home still remains in the family. Both Sonny and his wife Connie were presidents of the Howard County Historical Society. His wife predeceased him in May 2016. Sonny's love of family and family history kept him occupied in retirement. He retired at the age of 55 and he and his wife traveled the country while active in many hereditary organizations. Sonny was the National Governor General of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America and President of the Maryland chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was also an active member of the Maryland Colonial Wars Society and the Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims. Sonny acted as chairman of the SAR Patriots Debutante Ball for many years which was held at the Belvedere Hotel in Baltimore. Sonny was well loved, and up until his death participated in a monthly breakfast with the remaining members of his high school graduating class. He also participated in a local Howard County program called "Kindred Spirts". This remarkable program encourages activities and conversations for men and women suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The family would like to thank the staff at Lighthouse Senior Living in Ellicott City, MD for the exceptional care provided to Sonny in his last years. Sonny leaves behind his daughter Mrs. Mary Jeanne McCabe Wehland Coles of Union Bridge, MD, his son-in-law Mr. Charles Coles, Jr., his grandchildren Katherine Jeanne Coles and Charles McDonald Coles, III. He is also survived by his son, Mr. Matthew Henry Colbert Wehland of Ellicott City, MD and his son-in-law, Mr. John Joseph Lynch.
Events	Friends called at Slack Funeral Home, P.A., 3871 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD, on Thursday March 22, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Funeral services were held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 3695 Rogers Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043, on Friday March 23 at 11 am. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery. Donations were made in Mr. Wehland's name to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 3695 Rogers Avenue, ellicott City, MD 21043 Visitation When: Thursday, March 22, 2018 2:00pm - 4:00pm Location: Slack Funeral Home, P.A. Address: 3871 Old Columbia Pike ELLICOTT CITY,MD 21043 Second Visitation When: Thursday, March 22, 2018 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Slack Funeral Home, P.A. Address: 3871 Old Columbia Pike ELLICOTT CITY,MD 21043 Service When: Friday, March 23, 2018 11:00am Location: St. Peter's Episcopal Church Address: 3695 Rogers Ave. ELLICOTT CITY,MD 21043 Interment When: Friday, March 23, 2018 Location: St. John's Cemetery Address: 3480 St. John's Lane ELLICOTT CITY,MD 21042