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JOHN WHEELER Obituary
Ocala - John W. Wheeler, 88, passed away on September 5th, 2012 in Ocala, Florida.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret (nee Montgomery) of Ocala; two sons, Mark (Kathy) of Virginia Beach, VA, Craig (Liz) of Ocala; and five grandchildren.
John lived a full life, including enlisting in the Army Air Corps at 18 years of age, eventually joining the Flying Tigers 74th Fighter Squadron, 23rd group, in Kweilin, China, under General Claire Chennault. Between 1942 and 1945, John flew P40's and P51's and was shot down twice by ground fire. He attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air medal, and the Purple Heart for his efforts. After serving in World War II, John returned to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where in 1948 he received a degree in mechanical engineering.
John was a fifty-two year resident of Barrington, RI, and was the former owner of Narragansett Concrete Company and John Wheeler Yachts. He was an avid sailor and waterman and owned and built classic wooden boats.
Three years ago while in failing health, John and Margaret moved to Ocala, FL, where he lived the remainder of his life with his son and family.
There will be a gathering Saturday, September 8th, 2012 from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Homes, Downtown Chapel, 606 SW 2nd Ave, Ocala, FL, 34471. Burial will be in Royalston, MA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. www.bgca.org.
Please view and sign the online guestbook at:
www.
robertsfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN WHEELER
Sponsored by His stepdaughter, who doesn't believe in "step", just family....
Peggy c. Estes
September 23, 2012
Tommy was my dear friend. I shall miss him. His life is so huge more than his heart. .. Hard to describe how his life had been accomplished..May God bless him and you have my condolences..Peggy Este and family
Alan Cech
September 22, 2012
Krista - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time of loss. In His grace and mercy, Alan & Christy
LISA POWELL
September 19, 2012
remember that I was deaf student asd of 82 went to the space center and show me about space he was good teacher sorry for your loved loss
Amy Newland
September 19, 2012
I was so sad to learn of Tommy's passing! This is my 19th year running space camp and Tommy was such an important part of the students experience. The kids loved to hear his stories and learn about how they too could/might work for NASA. Thoughts and prays are with you all today and in the days again! Amy and the Deaf Space Camp students/staff
Kent Fujiki
September 18, 2012
Krista,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God bless you and provide you with comfort and peace.
Doris (Luna) Carr
September 18, 2012
Tommys children Pray for your family and One good memories I never forget him . He took my dad Robert Luna and me when I was child He took us to fly his plane around and He asked me If the plan fall where will we land in Huntsville,al. I say go to the water . It s my good memories and its sad to loss a good friend and stay faith and strong.
Carole Carey
September 17, 2012
Margaret, Donna and family.....Tommy was very loved and will be greatly missed! He was a wonderful inspiration to Quota and everyone who knew him. I will miss his loving smile and wonderful sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Carole Carey
Denise Keaton-Smith
September 17, 2012
Krista, So sorry to hear about your loss. May God bless you and your family and keep your faith strong during this time of sorrow.
Kitty Spencer
September 17, 2012
Krista, so sorry for your loss. I know you loved and admired him very much and my heart goes out to your Mom too.
Virginia Holley Snyder
September 16, 2012
We had a great high School Class of 1947!!
Kathy Martinez
September 15, 2012
I only met your Father once, but he was the most pleasant and nice man I have met. I work for many elderly people now, and I can assure you he is one that I would be excited to see every day. I am so sorry for your loss, Know that he is with you at all times, and is having a grand time,I know this is certain.
September 15, 2012
I remember Tommy so well, we lived next door to the family while we were in high school. Very sorry for your loss. Cynthia Hobson Clements
September 15, 2012
Margaret - Tommy was much loved and admired. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Donna and Tarokh Taefi
Linda Shoemaker
September 15, 2012
My deepest sympathy and my prayer are with you all as he now is resting in a peace. God give comfort to be with you all. Your cherish and remember him in your heart always.
September 15, 2012
The Wheeler family and all who knew Tommy have suffered a great loss. He left a remarkkable impression on everyone who knew him. Only saw him at class and "Grand Old Bear" reunions after high school. We have given up a real American hero. Our prayers are with his remaining family in this time of grief.
Billy Leopard THS 1950.
Shannon Hesse
September 15, 2012
Teresa, Margaret Ann, Margaret and family - Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Tommy was truely a man among men. Some of my earliest childhood memories include him. God has a wonderful new angel! Love to all of you - Shannon, Andrew, Claire and Sara Evelyn
Ann Conrad
September 15, 2012
Teresa, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
M P
September 15, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Wheeler family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Betsy Barb
September 15, 2012
Margaret & Family,
I am sorry for your loss. May God continue to bless and keep you.
September 14, 2012
Dear Krista & Family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. May you remember all the good times you shared. God Bless, Jan Fukumoto
Bobby Jones
September 14, 2012
Krista and Family:
You are in my prayers. May the Holy Spirit fill you with His peace and comfort.
Sarah and Charles Moore
September 14, 2012
Margaret and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you and share your grief.
betty miller
September 14, 2012
wishing you sympathy in the passing of tommie. betty miller
roxanne roach
September 11, 2012
I still have the letter your father wrote me after he read my dads book. I was humbled he would take the time to acknowledge me. what a great accomplishment his life was.
gail muncy
September 8, 2012
thanks for your served
to our country for freedom
thanks for your service to our country to keep us free. my son is in the service army 82 airboirne been in Arqa 1 and Afgan 2 X
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