Lawrence Alan Wheeler

Lawrence "Larry" A. Wheeler, 69, passed away March 28, 2017 in Sarasota, Florida. Larry formerly resided in Xenia, Ohio. He was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on February 20, 1948. He married Rita Kay DeHaven on April 5, 1975 and they would have celebrated 42 happy years of marriage. They bought a winter home in Nokomis, Florida in 2010 and moved there full time in 2016. They spent their time traveling and had completed visiting 47 states, most by RV. In their retirement they've enjoyed cruises, including a trip to five countries and the Panama Canal. He was the happiest when experiencing new things.

Larry was dedicated to working in the Law Enforcement field and retired from the Bellbrook Police Department in 2011. He was also with the Cedarville Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department.

Larry is survived by his sisters and brothers in law, Betty and Fred Shaneyfelt of Nokomis, Woody and Linda DeHaven of South Charleston, Kenneth DeHaven of Southhaven, Miss and stepfather, Jerry Speakman of Springfield.

Larry's favorite enjoyment was being a part of his nephew and nieces lives. "Uncle Larry "will be missed by Tracie (Scott) Vogelsong of Xenia, Jason (Krissi) DeHaven and Channin (Mark) DeHaven-Ford of Jamestown and Teresa (Lars) Powell of Nesbit, Mississippi. Great nieces and nephews, Madison Vogelsong of Newport, KY, Natalie Vogelsong, Tristin Ford and Kyle Ford of Jamestown, Jayden, Cole and Reid DeHaven of Jamestown, Hannah and Dawson Powell of Nesbit, Mississippi, Krystal Ayers of Xenia, and his new buddy, great great nephew Cohen Pace. His Yorki, Kayce will miss his hand shakes.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Tressie Grace Backus Speakman and Rudolph Wheeler and his in -laws, Mildred and Howard DeHaven.

A Memorial Service in Nokomis was attended by family and friends. His ashes will be thrown free into the winds of the Gulf Coast in the near future.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.