Larry Richard Wheeler
November 8, 1944 ~ March 22, 2019
Larry Richard Wheeler, 74, of Taylorville, IL, passed away at 5:15 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2019 at Heritage Health in Pana, IL.
Larry was born November 8, 1944 in Shelbyville, IL, the son of Fred and Lucille (Thompson) Wheeler. He married Donna Heiter, and she preceded him in death. Larry then married, Martha Jean Neece on June 20, 1981 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville, and they have been happily married for over 37 years.
Larry graduated from Shelbyville High School, and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was ordered to go to Vietnam on July 26, 1967, where he was assigned to the 213th ASHC and 329th Tc Det. at Phu Loi Air Base. He repaired avionics equipment on CH-47 Helicopters. Larry received his orders to leave Vietnam on August 5, 1968. Following his service, Larry worked as a Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy, and then the General Services Administration in Springfield, where he retired from in 2002 as a Procurement Agent. He enjoyed wood working, model railroads, and was a Licensed Ham Radio Operator and enthusiast. Larry was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Taylorville, and a life-time member of the V.F.W. Post #4495 in Taylorville.
He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Larry is survived by his wife, Martha J. Wheeler of Taylorville, IL; son, Rex (wife, Cassy) Wheeler of Mt. Auburn, IL; daughter, Hollie Wheeler of Taylorville, IL; brother, Fred Wheeler of Shelbyville, IL; sister, Mary Durbin of Springfield, IL; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation & Memorial Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 12:00 p.m. until the time of ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 N. Webster St., Taylorville, IL 62568, with Rev. Rodney Blomquist officiating.
Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL, with military honors provided by the V.F.W. #4495, American Legion Post #73, and the Department of Defense.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305.
The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568 with ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
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Rossie and I are so sorry to hear of Larry’s death. We have moved to Jacksonville and surely have missed the kidding when you both came in Country Kitchen for breakfast, It was so nice when we met you and got acquainted over several months and a year of so. We will cherish the memories of that smile and wise remarks that he was so good at giving out. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family at this time. We were both shared the bond of veterans who had seen war and lived through it.