Wheaton Coward,

Cobleskill- Wheaton, "Tom", M. Coward, Jr., 87, of Elm Street, died Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown following a short illness.
Mr. Coward was born August 3, 1921 in Buffalo, NY, the son of Wheaton and Frances (Todd) Coward.
After graduating from South Byron High School, he started college at the University of Michigan and then was drafted into the Air Force in 1942. Mr. Coward spent most of his tour of duty in Panama and received an honorable discharge in 1946. He worked for his father's grain mill, and then went to Stanford University, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1952. Mr. Coward enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War, serving aboard a ship, until 1955 when he again received an honorable discharge.
He held editorial positions for several magazines in Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Mr. Coward resided in California and Saratoga Springs before retiring in Cobleskill. He was an avid tennis player and fan, and had also written several non-fiction books.
Survivors include his brother, Francis Coward of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and several nieces and nephews, including Jackie (Richard) Churchill of Cobleskill.
He was predeceased by his parents and three brothers: Charles, Todd and Russell Coward.
Services will be held privately. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, Inc. P.O. Box 40 Howes Cave, NY 12092.