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Obituary for John D. Wheeler
Johnnie D. “John” Wheeler, age 63, of Ava, Ohio, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 25, 2017, after courageously battling cancer. He left peacefully, knowing he was surrounded by his loving family. John was a 1971 graduate of Shenandoah High School. Later that year, he joined the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He retired from AMG Vanadium in 2016 and was previously employed at the former Mahle plant in Caldwell from 1984 to 2009. He ran lights and sound for Noble County Performing Arts for several years. John was currently the Noble Township Fiscal Officer, serving since 1996. He was also a faithful member and treasurer of the Ava United Methodist Church. John and his wife, Darla, shared a love for gospel music, and their shared love and interest became the catalyst for the church’s annual concert series, featuring artists from all over the United States. John also enjoyed golfing, traveling, and gardening, and had a great love for his family, his God, and his country. Most of all, he enjoyed sharing what he loved with his grandson, Camden, who was his favorite little buddy.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald D. Wheeler, his father-in-law, Wilfred E. “Shine” Rayner; and a brother-in-law, Bryan E. Rayner.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Darla K. (Rayner) Wheeler, whom he married in 1983; his mother, M. June Wheeler of Caldwell; son, James J. (Jodi) Wheeler and grandson Camden Wheeler of Utica; daughter, Jennifer M. Wheeler (Dale Kontul) of Sunbury; brothers, Jerry D. Wheeler (Diane Carpenter), Joe D. (Brenda) Wheeler, Jay D. (Janell) Wheeler, and Bill P. (Melissa) Wheeler, all of Caldwell; his mother-in-law, Evelyn M. Rayner of Ava; a sister-in-law, Theresa Rayner of Ava; several extended family members; and many gospel music friends and church family.
Friends may call Wednesday, June 28, 2017, from 2-4 and 6-8PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will be observed Thursday, June 29th at 11AM with Pastors Joe Wright and Tom Matus officiating. A veteran’s graveside service will follow at Halley’s Ridge Cemetery conducted by the Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ava United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 18, Ava, Ohio, 43711, the Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 16, Belle Valley, Ohio, 43717, or to Noble County Veteran Services, 190 Courthouse Square, Rm. 1-A, Caldwell, Ohio 43724.
