Bob Wheeler

Robert T Wheeler, 82 of Lakewood passed away Thurs December 8th at OMC surrounded by his family. He was born in Summit and raised in Maplewood, graduating form Columbia High School.. He attended The Cincinnati Conservatory of music for several years. He traveled the world with the group "Kids from Home" entertaining the troops playing the saxophone, before joining the Army, where he was a member of the West Point Band. . After the army, he started working as a photographer, where his work had him extensively traveling the country. It was during this time that he developed a passion for safe and defensive driving. In the mid 70's he left photography to become a driving instructor, teaching thousands to drive in the Monmouth and Ocean County area until his retirement in 2008 He lived in Brooklyn before moving to Howell in 1964 where he raised his family. He has lived in Lakewood for the past 20 years. Always the musician, he continued his love of music. He taught himself to play the recorder and was a member of several ensembles, and wrote music for the recorder which was published. He was very involved with his church, being choir director for many years. He most recently was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Toms River He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Leslie (Norwood) Wheeler, 4 children: Darcy Stanley of Tinton Falls, Rod Wheeler of Little Egg Harbor, Samantha Santora of Lakewood and Jon Wheeler and his wife Andrea of Brick, 10 grandchildren- Ian and Paige Stanley, Emily and Eric Wheeler, Amanda and Alexandrea Santora, Dylan, Aaron, Molly, and Ryan Wheeler, and one precious great grand daughter, Scarlet Santora. A memorial service celebrating his life will be on January 21, 2017, 1 pm, at the First United Methodist Church of Toms River, 129 Chestnut Street, Toms RIver, NJ 08753