W.F. (Bill) Wheeler, "the best friend young people of our community have ever had," lost his courageous battle to cancer about 3 a.m. Sunday. He died in Crosbyton Clinic Hospital, where he had been a patient six weeks and one day.
The community was thrown into shock when it learned of Wheeler´s death. Although the severity of his condition was realized, his death was unexpected. First United Methodist Church was filled for 2 p.m. Monday memorial services. Officiating were the Rev. Johnnie Williams, pastor, and Lloyd Hall, minister of the Church of Christ.
Interment was made in Crosbyton Cemetery. Adams Funeral Home directed arrangements.
Wheeler was extremely active in community activities, particularly those involving youth.
Last summer, the name of Crosbyton Little League Park was changed to W.F. Wheeler Park. A sign designating the name was erected during a ceremony at the conclusion of the 1978 season.
Mr. Wheeler was chairman of the First United Methodist Church administrative board at the time of his death, served as a member of the committee on nominations and personnel and a member of the board of trustees, and held other church positions.
W.F. (Bill) Wheeler was born June 22, 1931, in Robertson Community and moved in 1939 to Crosbyton. He and the former Oleta Marsh were married Jan. 17, 1953, in Lubbock.
A farmer, Wheeler served with the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.
He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Crosbyton and was a member of Crosbyton Masonic Lodge #1020 AF&AM. Mr. Wheeler was a member of the Crosby County Democratic Party executive committee and was a precinct chairman.
Mr. Wheeler was an active 4-H Club leader. He was a recipient of the Silver Spur Award, highest local adult leadership honor.
For many years, he and his wife Oleta (Toogey) served as secretary-treasurer of the Crosby County Junior Livestock Association, which conducts the county stock show each spring.
The couple operated concession stands and were scorekeepers for numerous athletic events. Wheeler filmed football and basketball games for several years.
He was a past president of Crosbyton Little Dribblers Association.
Wheeler was active in Chieftain Athletic Booster Club, which he formerly headed. He was cited as "Booster of the Year" and he and his wife were presented a special award two years ago for their work with school athletics.
Survivors include his wife, Oleta; a son, Pete Douglas Wheeler of Crosbyton; a daughter, Bileta Elaine Wheeler of Crosbyton; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Wheeler of Crosbyton; his grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. R.M. Wheeler and Mrs. W.F. Gallimore, both of Lubbock; two brothers, Charlie Lee Wheeler of Crosbyton and Edwin Wheeler of Duncanville; and two stepsisters, Melba Hines of Crosbyton and Mrs. Jody Hines of Lockney.
Crosbyton Review, August 23, 1979
Record provided by Crosby County Pioneer Memorial Museum
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Crosby County TXGenWeb Project
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