Thomas Olan Wheat

Thomas O. Wheat, age 88, passed away July 21, 2022 at his home in Beaumont, CA. Tom was born on March 19, 1934 in Stuart, Oklahoma and moved to California in 1940. Tom enjoyed playing Jazz and started playing with Dude Turner and his Rhythm Wrangles in Corona, CA and the Kenny King's Band in 1955. He was also a member of the University Heights Band from 1947 to 1949. Tom played for Frank Sinatra in which he was having a party for Princess Grace and Prince Rainier's 25th wedding anniversary.

In 1953, his career took off into a different direction playing in Palm Springs for Benny Godman, Frank Sinatra, Phil Harris and Bob Hope in Big Bands and Combos. He was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame.

We are all blessed to have Tom as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. We are so blessed to have been loved and cared by this wonderful man.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers, sister Margaret, stepson Charles Gericke and granddaughter Dixie Evans. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Wheat; son and daughter-in-law Tom and Rita Wheat of Bishop; daughters Debbie Jennies and Becky Britton, granddaughters Shannon Snyder, Judith Rubalcava, Candace Child, Chey Gericke, and Sami Gericke, great granddaughter Brittney Jobe (husband Conner), and great great grandchildren Casen and Hallie.

A committal service for Thomas will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery, 570 East Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hemet High School Band Program.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtviewsanbernardino.com for the Wheat family.