Fred Wheeler

Fred Allen Wheeler, 70, of New Harmony, IN., with family and friends by his side, left Deaconess Hospital in Evansville IN. Thursday June 25, 2009, and rode his Harley into Heaven to be with the Lord.

He was born April 1, 1939 in Gibson County, IN the son of Lloyd and Ruby (Simmons) Wheeler.

Fred had worked as a truck driver and dispatcher for General Oilfield Supply for many years. He was proud to be a United States Army Veteran. He served time in Germany and a full term as an E-7 Sergeant Army Ranger in Vietnam. Upon returning home he was dedicated to the cause of all POWs and MIAs. He lived his life to the fullest, even after being diagnosed with cancer related to his service to his country. He was a member and former Post Commander of the New Harmony American Legion. Known by many as “Fritz”, he was a long time member of the Indiana Vietnam Veteran’s Motorcycle Club and was currently serving as the club’s Chapter 2 President. Fred attended Ridge Baptist Church in Grayville, IL, where he had accepted Christ into his life.

Fred is survived by: his son and family, Ronnie & Michelle Wheeler, their daughter Niki Stivers and two great-grandchildren Wyagg and Whitney all of Princeton, IN; a daughter and family: Melissa & Greg Knight and their children, Ashleigh, Drew, Jordan, and Kassidy Knight all of Carmi, IL. ; a son John Mathews II & wife Devvy and their son John Mathews III all of Alaska; a son and family: David & Chabli Mathews, their baby ,due to arrive in December, and Savannah and Trever Loehr all of New Harmony, IN; He is also survived by: one sister, Lisa Howard of Wadesville; six brothers, Rick Wheeler of Poseyville, IN, Scott Wheeler of Crossville, IL, Roy Wheeler of Poseyville, IN, Jerry Wheeler of Poseyville, IN, Mark Wheeler of Owensville, IN, Johnny Wheeler of North Manchester, IN; a special caregiver his nephew Ricky Wheeler; 32 nieces and nephews, 52 Great nieces and nephews, 9 Great Great nieces and nephews, and his former wife, Constance Wheeler of Mt. Vernon, IN. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Larry, Robert L., John and David Wheeler and one sister, Wilma Mobley. Also, special appreciation is given to Dr. Burkett and the staff of Deaconess Hospital.

Graveside Memorial Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday July 12, 2009 at Bethsaida Cemetery near New Harmony, IN. With a special memorial planned at the New Harmony American Legion following the burial.

The Austin~Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, IN is in charge of arrangements.