Louis Lee "Lou" Wheeler

Louis Lee Wheeler was born May 5, 1932 to Clifton and Rosable Wheeler in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Since he was born on Cinco de Mayo, Louis always said that all of Mexico celebrated his birthday! He died on November 16, 2018 at the V.A. Medical Center in Muskogee. Louis graduated from Muskogee Central High School in 1950 and attended Oklahoma Baptist University where he played basketball. He joined the Air Force in February 1953 and married his high school sweetheart, Ann Ferry, on October 10, 1953. During his 12-year Air Force career, he was stationed in Texas, California, Colorado, Florida, and Germany as a missile launch specialist. During his service he was a competitive tennis player and traveled to various European countries to compete in tournaments. Louis left the Air Force in 1965 and returned to Muskogee where he worked as an Allstate insurance agent until his retirement in 1999. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church serving as a deacon, choir member, and Sunday School teacher for 8th and 9th grade boys. He had many hobbies including wood carving, fishing, and gardening. He was a long-time member of the wood carving club, Okie Whittlers. Louis and Ann loved to travel in their RV and a highlight was a two-month trip to Alaska. Louis was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lonnie Wheeler, sister Marguerite Wheeler, son Mike Wheeler, great-grandchildren Clara Howard and Matthew Marcinkevicius . He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ann Wheeler, sons Cliff and wife Brenda, David and wife Jermaine, Kenneth and wife Denna all of Muskogee. Grandchildren Melissa Daly (Joe), Lisa Marcinkevicius (Scott) of Muskogee, Elizabeth Howard (Billy) of Coweta, Lawrence Wheeler (Kenzie) of Duncan, Winston Wheeler of Chicago, and Rachel Wheeler of Oklahoma City. Great-grandchildren Josh Daly, Ava Ann, Garrett, and Tana Marcinkevicius, Whitney (Tyler) Starkey, Wyatt, Aaron, Jacob, and Trenton Howard, Evelyn and Emilia Wheeler. Great-great grandchildren Braydon and Kennedy Starkey and Grayson Marcinkevicius and brother-in-law Pat Ferry of Little Rock, Arkansas. A ceremony to honor Louis will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church in Muskogee with Dr. Johnny Derouen officiating. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Louis Lee "Lou" Wheeler

May 5, 1932 - November 16, 2018