Barth E. WHEELER

WHEELER, Dr. Barth E. - died in the comfort of his home with his wife, Carol, at his side after a long illness on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 10 PM. He was born November 11, 1933, Veteran's Day in Coleman Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Wheeler graduated from Hanover College pre-med in 1955 and Indiana University School of Medicine in 1959. He did his internship at James Munson Memorial Hospital, Traverse City, MI. He served as a Captain Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force from 1960-1963. He was chosen by Robert McNamara, Secretary of Defense, to lead a team to Africa for the Recovery Mission of the Project Mercury Astronaut. He was very proud of this assignment. He began his solo practice in Huntington, IN in 1963. He then became a partner of Family Practice Associates in 1973. Dr. Wheeler was a man of many talents, as well as a respected physician. He was the emergency room director of Hilton Head Hospital in South Carolina for four years. He reitred to a farm that he loved in 1995. He was married to Sue Barnhisel Graham and they had five children together. Lisa, Brett, Jennifer, Chris and a son, Stuart, who is deceased. They shared four grandchildren, Ashton, Matthew, Maria and Elizabeth. Dr. Wheeler married Carol J. Kastner Burke in 1988. Carol has five children, Robin, Angie, Amy, Chris and Joy. Together they shared four grandchildren, Fleetwood, Vicari, Logan and Lauren. Dr. Wheeler enjoyed his family and many hobbies. He loved to take his folboat, which he built, into the Canadian Quetico. He was an avid camper and fisherman. He was very fond of playing quarterback in high school, along with snow skiing and tennis. Spring was his favorite season, as he was reigned the Mushroom King of the Morel Hunt within his family. He was an artist, carpenter, writer, gourmet cook, camper and gardener. Dr. Wheeler was a healer of the sick and injured, as well as, a good father and husband. He will be greatly missed by his family, dear friends and the many patients he cared for over the years. On Thursday, March 10 there will be a celebration of Dr. Wheeler's life from 6-8 PM at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St., Linden. Interment will be 11 AM Friday, March 11, 2011 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. At that time a eulogy will be delivered by a family member, Karl Eiriksson. A special thank you to Heartland Hospice and to the staff of the Radiology Department at Genesys Hospital. Tributes may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Linden Chapel
209 E. Broad Street Linden 48451, United States