Wayne Wheeler

WHEELER Sr., Wayne E., age 83, of Swartz Creek, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Services will be held 11AM Monday, February 2, 2009 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. The family will receive friends 10AM Monday until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association; Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation or to a charity of one's choice in Wayne's memory. Wayne was born April 17, 1925 in Flint, the son of the late Elmer J. Wheeler and Frances Wieger. He graduated from Central High School and then married Shirley Hewitt on June 29, 1944 in Clio. Wayne was employed by Complete Auto Transit (now Ryder) as a car hauler for 36 years until his retirement in 1986. Each year he nurtured a large vegetable garden, having a special liking for tomatoes, and would sell or give away many, enjoying the people and the friendships he made along the way. Wayne also had fun snorkeling in Hawaii and found his greatest joy to be his family, especially his grandchildren. Surviving are his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley; 3 children, Gail Peters (Mark) of Lennon, Diane Boros (Ron) of Swartz Creek, Wayne E. Wheeler Jr. (Camille) of Flushing; son-in-law, Bernard Ching of Hawaii; 6 grandsons; 6 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Navola Southwell of Swartz Creek, Joyce Cook (Phil) of Grayling, Doris Stievenart (Joe) of Missouri and a host of nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Elaine Ching in 2007; 2 grandsons, Matthew and Michael; and brother, Ben Wheeler. Online condolences and tributes may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com