John Ralph Wheeler

John Ralph Wheeler, 68, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away on the morning of Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, surrounded by love.

Born on July 22, 1957, in Emporia, John was the beloved son of Ralph and Evora Rees Wheeler. He grew up in a home built on hard work, honesty, and a deep appreciation for family and community—values he carried with him throughout his life.

John graduated from Emporia High School in 1975 and was already fixing cars in his parents’ garage. He attended Flint Hills Vocational Technical College and picked up a couple of semesters at Emporia State University. John and his brother, Tom, were always working on vehicles and eventually opened their own shop, Wheeler Brothers Autobody. In 1989, they closed the shop, and John went to work for Floyd McCracken at Floyd’s Inc., a place that would later become his own. Following stints at Longbine Auto Plaza, CarQuest, and Emporia Motors, he returned to Floyd’s with a dream in mind. In 2005, that dream became a reality when he purchased the business, pouring his heart and soul into it every day since.

John didn’t just buy the shop because he loved working on cars, he bought it because he wanted to help people. Whether you were a longtime customer, a neighbor, or a stranger passing through town, John would go out of his way to lend a hand, often at his own expense. He believed in doing right by others, and his generosity touched countless lives.

On September 5, 1992, John married Ruth Quint in her hometown of Hays, Kansas. Over the years, they built a life together that was grounded in love, mutual respect, and plenty of laughter. John was a devoted husband and a proud father. He loved being a dad to Emma and Jacob, and nothing made him happier than seeing his kids find their own paths and become the people they are today.

John had a quiet strength and a kind spirit. He loved his family deeply, cherished his friendships, and found joy in the simple things—boating on Melvern Lake, caring for his cats, tinkering with cars, and even looking after the occasional family of raccoons that made their way to his shop. He was the kind of man who could fix anything with his hands and uplift anyone with his presence.

John is survived by his wife Ruth; his daughter Emma Wheeler of Houston; and his son Jacob Wheeler of Emporia. He is also survived by his mother, Evora Wheeler of Emporia; his sister Barbara White and her husband Steve of Alaska; and his brothers: Kenneth Wheeler and wife Leigh of Shawnee, Kansas and Tom Wheeler and wife Becky of Emporia. He is preceded in death by his father, Ralph Wheeler of Emporia. He leaves behind many nieces, a nephew, extended family members, countless friends, and many cats.

He will be remembered not only for his dedication to his work, but for his warmth, his wit, and his generous heart. Whether you knew him as a father, husband, friend, coworker, or neighbor—John made a lasting impact. He made people feel seen. He made people feel cared for. And he will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at 627 Event Space on Commercial Street in Emporia on Saturday, August 9, 2025, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The family invites you to come and go, sharing memories and refreshments. Memorial contributions may be made to the John Wheeler Memorial Fund (Which will be used for the Benefit of Local Youth Activities) and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.