Wilmer "Bill" Wheeler

Wilmer Earl Bill Wheeler, age 81, of Garnett, Kansas, died Friday, June 4, 2010. He was born on Sunday, May 19, 1929, in Creighton, Missouri. He was the son of Alva and Nora (Doyle) Wheeler. He lived in Kansas City, Missouri; Quenemo, Kansas for forty years, where he considered his home; and Garnett, Kansas since 2004. Bill graduated Valedictorian from Urich (Missouri) High School with the class of 1947. He was a mechanic at Crites Automotive of Ottawa from 1964 to 1977, and owned and operated South Skelly Station at 17th & Main in Ottawa from 1977 to his retirement in 1991. Bill served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and Korean War, serving in the United States Air Force, United States Army National Guard, and United States Navy. He was a member of Quenemo Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School; was a Boy Scout Leader; Baseball Coach; and life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901; Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles; and Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, all of Ottawa. In 1950, Bill was united in marriage with Nona Ewing. They were later divorced. On December 9, 1979, Bill was united in marriage with Alice (Weatherbie) Kraus in Lyndon, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is survived by his: Wife-Alice F. Wheeler of the home; Daughter-Debra Weiss-Tatum of Burleson, Texas; Daughter-Kathy Kraus of Garnett, Kansas; Daughter-Lynnette Hutchinson and her husband, Cris, of Princeton, Kansas; Daughter-Donna Bowman of Garnett, Kansas; Daughter-Barbara Wheeler of Topeka, Kansas; Daughter-Bonnie Reeder and her husband, Jim, of Ottawa, Kansas; Son-Dan Wheeler of Ottawa, Kansas; Son-Randy Kraus of Lane, Kansas; Son-David Wheeler of Ottawa, Kansas; Son-Darran Wheeler of Quenemo, Kansas; Son-Dennis Wheeler of Topeka, Kansas; Grandchildren-Eighteen; Gt.Grandchildren-Fifteen and Nieces and Nephews-Several He is preceded in death by his: Father-Alva Wheeler; Mother-Nora (Doyle) Wheeler; Brother-Jack Wheeler; Brother-Everett Wheeler; Brother-Loren Wheeler; Brother-Julian (Jay) Wheeler and Sister-Betty Smith. SERVICES: Family will meet with friends at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa for a Celebration of Life from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2010. IN STATE: Cremation is planned. CEMETERY: Inurnment services will be held at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery in Quenemo, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Hospice or Franklin County Cancer Foundation, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.