Gary Arnold Wheelhouse

Gary was born in 1940 and spent his childhood years exploring the woods and caves near his home full of brothers and sisters in Hannibal, Missouri, and living next door to his great role model, Uncle Mokey.

In 1963, he enlisted in the Army for a 3 year tour, building communications networks in Thailand, on and off the Army bases.

Gary met and married the love of his life in 1968, immediately moving from Hannibal to Kansas City to begin his career as a lineman with Southwestern Bell. Gary had an inventive mind, loved woodworking and he and Luana together enjoyed fishing, bird watching, golf, and spending time with family. They raised two children, Chris and Terri, born in 1971 and 1974. As a family they took vacations as often as possible, spending time fishing in the Ozarks and the mountains of Colorado.

Gary served as a boy scout leader and loved teaching others about the outdoors. He was a dad to everyone. Gary retired after 37 years in the communications industry as a Systems Technician.

Gary is preceded in death by Frances Capp Feaster (mother); Joe Feaster (step father); JoAnn Feaster Stillwell (step sister); Jerry Feaster (step brother); Terri Wheelhouse Hovey (daughter); and Buster #1.

Gary is survived by Luana Waelder Wheelhouse (wife); Chris Wheelhouse (son); Dawn Wheelhouse (daughter-in-law); Joey (Taylor) Wheelhouse (grandson), Jordan (Mariah) Wheelhouse (grandson), Katy Wheelhouse (granddaughter), and Jack Wheelhouse (grandson); Christian Hovey (grandson); Cassidy Hovey (granddaughter); LuEtta Pollard (sister); Jim Feaster (step brother) and Jack Feaster (step brother); nieces and nephews; and Buster #2.

Gary was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His Faith was personal to him but very strong. He lived his life for his family and will be remembered fondly by others as a kind and gentle man.

For the past year Gary has been blessed to be part of the family at Galway Homes. The Wheelhouses would like to extend their deepest, heartfelt gratitude to John Higgins, Owner, and ALL the wonderful caregivers that make up the staff – Tresa, Chelsea, Rose, Izak, Jasmin, Tu, and Shelley. Their kind, compassionate care is the only reason we actually made it through the year!

In honor of Gary’s military service, if you would like to give a donation in his name, we have chosen Tunnel to Towers Foundation. That can be done be going to their website, t2t.org. Thank you