In Memory

Bill Wheeler

William F. “Bill” Wheeler, Jr., 69, passed away at his home in Osawatomie, Kansas, Saturday, May 21, 2016.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary.

Family will meet with friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at the mortuary.

Interment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, with military honors by the United States Marine Corps.

Bill was born September 29, 1946, in Ottawa, the son of William and Vivian (Phares) Wheeler.

He grew up in Ottawa, Kansas. For the last 35 years Bill lived in Osawatomie, where he made his home until his death.

He graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1965 lettering in football and track. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor of science in education.

Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 to 1968 serving in Vietnam for 1 tour of duty. He was an ammunition technician. He received the national defense medal, Vietnam service medal, and the Vietnam campaign medal. He attained the rank of corporal at time of honorable discharge.

Bill was united in marriage with Nila Crawford August 30, 1969, in Ottawa. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his son, Mark Wheeler and wife Stacia of Topeka; two sisters, Linda Ostmeyer and husband Terry of San Tan Valley, Arizona, and Connie Haas and husband Bob of Ottawa; and beloved granddaughter, Madison Wheeler of Topeka.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill was employed as a supervisor and activity therapist at Osawatomie State Hospital for 29 years, retiring December 1, 2009. In the 1990s, Bill was elected Miami County Red Cross water safety chairman and taught water safety and life guard training. He taught at Jefferson West Middle School, USD 340, in Ozawkie, Kansas, from 1973 to 1980. He also coached middle school football, track and basketball with 6 years as head football coach, 7 years as head track coach, and 5 years as assistant basketball coach.

He was a member of the Osawatomie Lodge 921 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the American Legion Post 156 Paola. Bill was a past member of the Kansas Coaches Association.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Friends of the Mentally Ill, Osawatomie State Hospital or the Osawatomie First Christian Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Bill’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com



 
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05/26/16 02:39 PM #1    

Steve Murray

Met Bill in 4th grade at Eugene Field when we first moved to Ottawa.  We played on the football team together from 4th grade through SR High.  Also in track 6 years together.  Bill was a kind and gentle soul.  A lifelong friend and fellow Vietnam warrior.  God Bless you brother! You are missed.

Steve Murray


05/27/16 07:08 AM #2    

Jim Williams

Big Bill was a stand up guy - i appreciated his friendship when we were children and so much more as we grew into manhood as a combat vets doing the things our country ask of us - - and then showing the Peacefulness of Grandfatherly love. 


05/27/16 11:53 AM #3    

Sherry Ball (Wright-Anderson)

I think of him as the gentle giant.  He was always kind and had a gentle smile.  I am sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral or family services.  My husband was in Olathe Hospital.  Our prayers go out to his family ! 


05/27/16 12:13 PM #4    

Terry Lay

Bill was a gentle giant. Always positive, supportive, & ready to lend a helping hand. A great teammate & a great classmate. RIP Bill. You will be missed!!!

05/27/16 12:38 PM #5    

Sandi Shade (Simmons)

I also remember Bill from Eugene Field thru high school.........s gentle man who is missed..


05/28/16 06:52 AM #6    

(David) Dwight Domnanish

R.I.P. Bill.  You were one of the good ones.


05/28/16 07:14 AM #7    

Martin Williams

Bill was a longtime friend. First remember meeting him in Bible School at First Christian in Ottawa. Always looked forward to visiting w him and Nila at our '65 OHS Class Reunions. He will be missed !!!


06/05/16 09:09 PM #8    

Bob Haas

Connie &  I would like to thank everyone for your kind words, thoughts & prayers at the time of Bill's passing. It meant so much to our family. This has been quite a shock & still doesn't seem real.


06/06/16 04:12 PM #9    

Bill Lister

Bill was a very special life-long friend.  This friendship began in the 5th grade at Eugene Field School in 1957, and continued thru the present.  Our  grade school years were full of fun times in the local neighborhood.  Bill's Dad built him an awesome go-kart to keep up with mine!  The friendships of our parents  also made those years special as well.  Our friendship continued thru high school, where Bill had many accomplishments in sports.   During Bill's tour of duty in Vietnam after high school, we received updates  from family and friends, hearing of his many service metals.  I believe the most special metal he received, however, was the one I presented to Bill at our Ottawa High School reunion last Fall.  What a privilege for our high school class to honor him with this honorary service award and to recognize what he accomplished for all of us!

Another fond memory of Bill was when I met him attending a Kansas City Chief's game (in the 1980's).  Bill was hosting an entire bus load of his young patients from the Osawatomie State medical facilities at the stadium!  Of all Bill's accomplishments, I most admire the many years of work and commitment he made at this facility.  He spoke often of the effort  and dedication required at the facility, but I know that he was especially proud of the many young lives he touched.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bill.

Bill and Darlene Lister


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