Robert "Duke" Wheeler

Robert Leyton (Duke) Wheeler passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2019. Duke was born August 26, 1935, the youngest of six sons to Bertha Ann (Cooke) Wheeler and Claude Ayres Wheeler of Clinton, Oklahoma. Raised in Clinton, the Wheelers moved to Tipton, OK Duke's junior year in high school. At Tipton he earned All State Football recognition (and was named Tipton's Best Ever player by The Oklahoman's 2007 Centennial Anniversary edition) and a state championship and Best Actor award in One Act Play for his performance in Minor Miracle. Duke graduated from Tipton High School in 1953. After a brief career in the US Army, Duke attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Rho National Honorary Radio-Television Fraternity, and a member of the University Players drama club. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1959, followed by a Bachelor of Laws in 1963. Duke practiced law in Oklahoma City for more than 50 years. Duke never lost his flair for the dramatic, a master story-teller to the end, reciting a favorite bawdy poem in his last days as his family marveled at his wit. With sorrow and love family members bid their always dapper and charming Uncle Duke a final "bye-bye." Duke was preceded in death by his wife, Jean England Wheeler, and his parents, as well as brothers Charles, P.L., Jim, Joe and Gene Wheeler. He is survived by friends and extended family, including his brothers' children and their families. Visitation will be Monday, April 1 from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 2 at the Smith & Kernke North May Chapel with a reception to follow.