Gary Don Wheeler

Gary Wheeler was born in Bragg City, Missouri on September 8th 1944 as the 4th son to Clyde and Vivian Wheeler. Born and raised on a farm in Missouri until the age of 17 when he left the farm and joined the Navy.

Gary became a proud father in 1964 to his daughter, Wanda and then again in 1968 to his son, Gary Jr. Dad was gentle and kind and always thought about his responses before giving them.

Gary was a great Square Dance partner for 30 years after his wife Ketta coaxed him into it. Gary was not interested in joining a square dance club and said so, but Ketta said, "watch me!" and then Ketta approached some square dancers for information and they became avid square dancers from that point forward.

Gary did many tours in the Navy and served in Vietnam. He then became one of the top welders in the country. He enjoyed teaching and passing along his knowledge and skills. He started a C-1 Welding School RTC in San Diego, then City College and finished his teaching career at Palomar Junior College. Then he worked with the Wounded Warriors program.

Gary was extremely proud of serving on the USS Long Beach and teaching, and qualifying welders for the Fleet at ACU (Assault Craft Unit 5). Gary really enjoyed his tour on Guam with his family. He served in the military proudly and retired after 20 years as a Senior Chief.

Gary loved his wife, Ketta, his daughter, Wanda, his son, Gary, Jr., & his beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth. He most of all enjoyed his family, extended family and friends, including all his square dance friends. His unique sense of humor was so much a part of him that it was enjoyed by all his family & friends and made Gary loved by all.

To Brother Gary:

From the cotton patches of the Missouri Bootheel, the land of your birth. Your earthly journey has taken you many miles across this country and sailed the many seas of this earth through your service with the US Navy.

We pray that in your final deployment; that you may sail "the High Seas of Heaven" and join with the Holy Trinity in your final port of call in Heaven. We pray that you may have a smooth sail into the gates of "Heaven". "May the Peace of God Be With You"!

Salute and final farewell.

Brothers Bill & JC