Robert Charles Wheeler

Robert C. Wheeler was born July 25,1927 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

He and his Mom moved to California around the age of 2 or 3 years old.

His parents divorced when he was three years old and the last he saw his Dad was at 5 years old.

He remembers the last time he saw his Dad. He gave him a toy plane, they had a conversation and that was the last he saw his father.

His Mom did not remarry and raised him on her own. She worked very hard at a diner, until early hours of the morning. Dad would, on occasion, sleep in a booth

to wait on his mother and walk her home.

She also was a cook for actors on set and was an extra in the movie Annie Oakley on a covered wagon.

Grandma was smart and talented.

She worked as an engineer at a plant in Los Angeles doing very intricate work and was honored for her work.

She was also a very talented seamstress and did beautiful detailed work.

Dad had no siblings.

Dad went to Van Nuys high school and left in 10th grade to join the National Guard. (then on to the Merchant Marines later.)

He wanted to help his mother's burden and did this for her. He joined at the age of 14 years old, Mom signed the paperwork but stretched his age as many did during this time.

Dad met Mom, Lois, while she was working at a movie theatre in Van Nuys at the age of 16.

Although she had another fellow, she really liked Dad and broke it off.

She brought him home and he met her 5 brothers and 3 sisters. They all liked him and he became a part of the family.

When Dad got off work mom made sure he had something to eat.

He married Mom right before he was sent to Fort Lewis after enlisting in the Army. They went to Las Vegas and they Married on August 15, 1946, at the age of 18.

Mom moved to Washington to be with her family, after they moved, while Dad was serving.

Dad served in the Army from August 12, 1946 and was honorably discharged on December 22, 1947.

He was a Special Vehicle Operator 932 and Rifle Ml MKN.

DECORATIONS: WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL AND ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL JAPAN.

After having their first child they moved back to California.

Dad got a job at General Dynamics, then went on later to the San Diego Fire Department.

FIRE SERVICE: 1951-1983 32 years.

He was a driver for Chief Courser (A lot of Stories!!)

Hose man (Hanging on the to back of the truck)

Engineer (Open Cab)

Captain (Del Mar Heights and Mt. Soledad)

They had three children, Robert D. Wheeler, Steven N. Wheeler and Tracy L. Wheeler (Stevens).

They were married 75 years, until she went to be with our heavenly father on April 26, 2021.

He missed her dearly.

They had Nine Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren and one Great Great Grandson.

Mom and Dad took good care of each other and are a beautiful example of a good marriage.

They loved gardening, having family gatherings, with grandbabies of course. They enjoyed traveling and taking day trips to the desert.

They enjoyed camping in Yosemite, the Redwood forest, Yellowstone, and spots in Colorado.

They enjoyed going on cruises together and dining.

They went on camping trips to the Salton Sea with other Firemen families when the water was blue and waterskiing and fishing was prevalent.

Dad made a Dune buggy out of a VW they owned, and took it out to Ocotillo Wells, Split Mountain and other interesting areas in the desert.

Dad loved music and was the cool Dad that loved the 60's and 70's music. He would listen to music for hours, but as a good husband in a good marriage, he invested in nice headphones so Mom could enjoy her TV, reading or whatever she did in quiet.

Mom was a stay at home Mom and Dad was the breadwinner. With three kids, Dad and Mom made our lives fun and exciting with what we had and it was the best!

He loved his family and was a perfect father role model and family man even though he had no father of his own growing up.

He was so loved and the people who worked with thought he was a great guy. He had great integrity and had respect for others and would always offer a helping hand.

Dad could fix and build almost anything! House, Car, yard, situations and broken hearts....

He loved animals and they loved him. His favorite was a German Shepard he had for 15 years.

His recent pet (Yorkie) was comforting and entertaining for him.

Although Dad did not attend church, he appreciated the fact that Mom took all three of us to Sunday school classes and church service.

Dad said when he was about five years old, a little old lady came around the neighborhood and would tell bible stories to the children.

He said at the age of 5, he asked Jesus in his heart. We have had many discussions and talked about situations in his youth, and believe he was watched over, protected and blessed throughout his life.

Up until the end of Dads life he had a young mind and was up on current affairs.

I valued his opinion because he was right most of the time! ( I want to say always but no one would believe me)

Dad had a great sense of humor and I will miss his laugh.

He adored the Great grandchildren that were close to him, keeping him young.

He loved them so much and gave them his full attention.

My Daddy, My heart, My life coach and cheerleader, My Best friend and My Rock!

We love you forever, Daddy, Grandpa, Great Grampa

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