John W. Wheeler

John Willis Wheeler, 79, of Evansville, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at St. Mary’s Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 11, 1935 in Evansville, IN to the late Edith and Henry Wheeler.

John was a lifetime member of Blue Grass United Methodist Church and was the chairman of the Blue Grass Cemetery Trustee’s. A passionate Christian servant, he was caretaker of Blue Grass UMC cemetery, the church he attended his entire life. He graduated from F. J. Reitz High School in 1953. John was a farmer for his entire life, initially running a dairy operation and then moving to a grain operation. During his early farming career, he partnered with his brother Mark until forming a family run operation. In later years, he became a bus driver for the EVSC and dearly loved his adventures with many school children. John was a gentleman and a gentle man.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet Wheeler, and four children, Joan (Michael) Mentzel, Jane (Cary) Staley, John (Sherri) Wheeler, and Jeff (Aundrea) Wheeler. “Po” was adored by his grandchildren, Jacob (Amanda) Mentzel, Matt Mentzel, Andy (Emily) Thomas, John Mentzel, Jeremy and Jennifer Wheeler, Jonathan Hudson, Brennan Musich, and Beau Wheeler, and great grandchildren, Peter, Lucy, Iain, Abraham, and Geneva Mentzel.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, November 17, 2014 at Blue Grass UMC, 14240 Petersburg Road, Evansville, IN 47725, with Rev. Douglas Heiman officiating and burial following in the church cemetery. Friends may visit Sunday 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Alexander North Chapel, and Monday 9:00 AM until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Grass UMC Cemetery Association Bell Tower fund, C/O Bev Besing, 17640 Volkman Road, Evansville, IN 47725. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.