William F. "Bill" Wheeler, Jr.

William F. “Bill” Wheeler, Jr., 69, passed away at his home in Osawatomie, Kansas, Saturday, May 21, 2016. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at the mortuary. Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by the United States Marine Corps. Bill was born September 29, 1946, in Ottawa, the son of William and Vivian (Phares) Wheeler. He grew up in Ottawa, Kansas. For the last 35 years Bill lived in Osawatomie, where he made his home until his death. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1965 lettering in football and track. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor of science in education. Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 to 1968 serving in Vietnam for 1 tour of duty. He was an ammunition technician. He received the national defense medal, Vietnam service medal, and the Vietnam campaign medal. He attained the rank of corporal at time of honorable discharge. Bill was united in marriage with Nila Crawford August 30, 1969, in Ottawa. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his son, Mark Wheeler and wife Stacia of Topeka; two sisters, Linda Ostmeyer and husband Terry of San Tan Valley, Arizona, and Connie Haas and husband Bob of Ottawa; and beloved granddaughter, Madison Wheeler of Topeka. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bill was employed as a supervisor and activity therapist at Osawatomie State Hospital for 29 years, retiring December 1, 2009. In the 1990s, Bill was elected Miami County Red Cross water safety chairman and taught water safety and life guard training. He taught at Jefferson West Middle School, USD 340, in Ozawkie, Kansas, from 1973 to 1980. He also coached middle school football, track and basketball with 6 years as head football coach, 7 years as head track coach, and 5 years as assistant basketball coach. He was a member of the Osawatomie Lodge 921 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the American Legion Post 156 Paola. Bill was a past member of the Kansas Coaches Association. The family suggests memorial contributions to Friends of the Mentally Ill, Osawatomie State Hospital or the Osawatomie First Christian Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Bill’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com