Harold D. Wheeler, 85, of Bluffton, passed away surrounded by his family, early Wednesday morning, Feb. 22, 2023, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center.
Born on May 6, 1937, in Wells County to Merlin E. and Louise (Kerr) Wheeler. Harold was a 1955 graduate of East Union High School, and served our country in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, as well as 2 years in the Indiana National Guard in Fort Wayne.
Harold and Judith Kay (Robles) were married at Epworth United Methodist Church on July 24, 1960.
Over the years, he worked at Tokheim Pump in Fort Wayne for 10 years, International Harvester for 20 years, and retired from Bluffton-Harrison MSD school district where he worked in facility maintenance for 7 years. Harold enjoyed golf, watching the Colts, was Indiana basketball fan and followed Purdue Athletics. He attended Lancaster Chapel.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Judith K. Wheeler of Bluffton; and three children, Kirk D. Wheeler of Aurora, Colo., Keith D. Wheeler of Ossian, and Lisa A. Anderson of Bluffton. He was a loving grandpa to five grandchildren, Amanda (Matt) Favory of Markle, Brandon (Tassy) Wheeler of Fort Wayne, April (Heath) Alig of Keystone, Kirsti (Mark) Cachey of Aurora, Colo., and Chase Wheeler of Aurora, Colo.; along with 12 great-grandchildren, Karsen, Lucas, Siena, Levi, Brayton, Oakley, Piper, Bricen, Destiny, Landen, Hayden and Reagan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Charles Wheeler.
Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton with Pastor Dewey Miller and the Rev. April Alig officiating. Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post #111 Honor Guard and U.S. Army Honor Guard.
Visitation will take place from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, prior to the service.
Memorials may be made in Harold’s memory to Lancaster Chapel or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the Wheeler family at www.thomarich.