Albert Lee Wheeler, Jr.

Albert L. (Al) Wheeler, Jr. of Oklahoma City went to be with the Lord on February 21, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Mercedes Elizabeth Wheeler; daughters Kat Ryan (Derry) of Novato, California, Elaine Hobson of Norman, Susie Eubanks of Oklahoma City, Janet Galloway of Norman; son Albert L Wheeler, III (Kathy) of Edmond; grandchildren Matt Huff (Gayle), Aubrey McDermid (Anthony), Nick Ryan (Jenny), Myles Ryan, Ben Eubanks; and three cherished great grandchildren Jasmine Eubanks, Tate Hammontree and Allison Hammontree. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Byron Eubanks. Born on May 18, 1924 in Hawarden, Iowa, our treasured dad and granddad lived a long rewarding life. He was a US Navy WWII hero, a gunner in an Avenger aircraft on an aircraft carrier, The Guadalcanal. He and mom enjoyed reunions with his squadron and remained lifelong friends. In his eighties he was thrilled to be chosen for the "Honor Flight" to Washington DC and to tour war memorials with fellow veterans. Dad met mom before the war at Ouachita Baptist College in Arkansas. They corresponded through the war until romance bloomed in Oklahoma City. He enjoyed a 35-year career at Wilson Foods to become their respected Chief Chemist. Dad was a wonderful example as a husband and father. He taught Sunday school to teenagers at Trinity Baptist Church, before joining Quail Springs Baptist Church. Our family knew dad could improvise, invent or repair most any gadget. We will miss his kindness, wit and humble intelligence. Visitation will be held from 10am-8pm Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Smith & Kernke 23rd. Funeral Service for Al will be held at 1pm on Monday, February 27, 2017 at Quail Springs Baptist Church (14613 N. May Ave.) with burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.