Ronnie Gene Wheeler

Ronnie Gene Wheeler of New Braunfels, Texas, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and son, crossed over on Saturday, March 5th 2016. He died suddenly but quickly in his home of a heart that failed to further contain all of the love he was capable of giving those who met him.

Born in 1956 to Army Veteran Levell Wheeler (deceased) and Josette Wheeler (nee Sautogne) in Libourne, France, Ronnie Gene grew up an Army Brat that went on to join the service and then raise a Navy Brat of his own with his wife Ann. Ronnie, or Ron, usually Gene, sometimes 'Senior,' served nearly 28 years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS “Sinkin' Sara” Saratoga and the USS George Washington before retiring. Ports of Call included Cecil Field with the VP-16 War Eagles Patrol Squadron, Jacksonville NAS, and Mayport NAS in Jacksonville, FL, and Norfolk NAS in Norfolk, VA.

Prior to enlisting with the US Navy, Ron traveled the World as a child with his family prior to landing in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he would eventually meet and marry the Love of his Life, Cynthia Ann Skates. He graduated from Hot Springs High School in the summer of 1974, where he spent time perfecting his French Horn techniques with the Band, and enrolling in the ROTC program where he would foster an early love of rifles and marksmanship.

Ron would then go on to be awarded 29 medals, ribbons, and assorted honors during his tenure with the military. He retired as a Senior Chief in 2001, having served as Supply Officer aboard both ships. He was a Veteran of Desert Storm and more than a few Cruises, taking time while in various ports to partake in a myriad of activities, most memorably grabbing a bite of bread on repeated trips to the Spanish Bakery in St. Augustine, Florida, or cycling along the high peaks of the French Alps.

At retirement, Ronnie Gene was presented with the American flag that flew over Pearl Harbor, a place of his choosing due to his deep love of history, WWII in particular. He was then able to spend time doing what he loved most in life. When he wasn't at the range perfecting his marksman skills, Gene would often be found touring scenic New Braunfels and River Road on his scooter alongside Ann, or with The Texas Road Rats Super Scooter Club and its members who he spoke of often. He still found time to cultivate his wicked sense of humor, having more time in retirement to regale his family with anecdotes and stories of practical jokes past, at least the 'Navy Stories' he could tell lest sensibilities be threatened. After all, “What Happens in the Navy, Stays in the Navy.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Levell Wheeler, and beloved cat, Indy. Ron is survived by Cynthia Ann Wheeler, his wife of almost 40 years and best friend for longer, daughter Danielle Rene Wheeler, sister Patricia Ann Ayala and her children Christopher Matthew Ayala and Brandy Marie Ayala, mother Josette Arlette Wheeler, and cats, Mango and Peaches.