John William “Bill” Wheeler, son of the late Lawrence Wheeler and Mary White Wheeler, was born on March 25, 1927, in Centerville, Iowa and departed this life on May 17, 2020 at his residence in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 93 years.

Mr. Wheeler lived in Green City, Iowa until he was eight years of age, when his father, a Methodist minister, moved the family to St. Louis, Missouri.  He attended McKinley High School and played in the High School Band. 

Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and served his first tour with intentions of re-enlisting until he met the love of his life and married Anita Bell Wallen on April 17, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri.  Mrs. Wheeler preceded him in death on December 25, 2007.

Bill has been a member of the Dexter community since 1975.  He was the owner of Bill Wheeler Meats.  He was an active member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter, where he sang in the choir and he was a lifetime member of the Dexter Lions Club.

He is survived by his son, John William Wheeler Jr. and wife Eloise of Birch Bay, Washington; by four daughters, Jo Ann Balven and husband Glenn of Wright City, Missouri, Dorothea Schmidt and husband Steven of Dexter, Missouri, Robin Jane Wheeler of Springfield, Missouri, and Tracy Craft and husband Kevin of Bernie, Missouri; by his son-in-law, Wayne Klobe of Ferguson, Missouri; by thirteen grandchildren, Jason, Christy, Raquel, Rocky, Johnathan, Stephanie, Christopher, Mary Beth, Jeremy, Nathaniel, Nena, Gannon, and Conner; and by sixteen great-grandchildren.

Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Elizabeth Klobe; and by two sisters, Dorothea Bante and Betty White.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

Memorials may be made in honor of Bill to the Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter or a charity of choice.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.