Joseph "Joe" Allen Wheeler

JOSEPH ("JOE") ALLEN WHEELER, 69, of Jacksonville, Ark. passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2013 in Okeechobee, Fla. He was on a fishing trip with his friend Al, doing what he loved. He was born on May 20, 1943 in Ft. Wayne, Ind., to Charles and Lucille Wheeler, who preceded him in death. Joe led a very active life. His optimism and zest for life were uplifting. He was a very sensitive guy, a take-charge kind of man, and a wonderful caretaker. He retired in 2006 followed by many happy days with his wife Paula and time for enjoying his passions, hunting and fishing. He was a very responsible, hard worker. Joe retired as a senior master sergeant from the United States Air Force after 22 years, and subsequently worked as a management analyst in a civil service position for 19 years. Because of Joe's strong sense of patriotism, he continued volunteering at Little Rock Air Force Base in the Retiree Activities Office. In Joe's own words: "I was born the oldest of eight children to strong Catholic parents with strong traditional values. I accepted the responsibility of being the oldest and worked early in my life to help support the family during the early rough and lean years. All in all, my life has been very good. My wife Paula has been the single most important element in my adult life. Along with her, I believe I have learned a lot about myself, who I really am, and what kind of person I have been, and who I am now. She has helped me be really me, not necessarily what others thought I should be." Cherishing his memory are his wife Paula, children David Wheeler, and Michael Wheeler (wife Linda), and four dear grandchildren: Ian, Logan, Emma, and Aidan, all of whom he adored. He was preceded in death by one sister Barbara. He is survived by six loving brothers and sisters: Tom Wheeler (wife Connie), Theresa Blaker (husband Dennis), Janie Ewert (husband Rick), Phil Wheeler (wife Marcie), Tim Wheeler (wife Karen), and Rita Wheeler. He is also remembered dearly by nieces, nephews, and many special friends and neighbors. Joe was a member of Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church, 9921 Sylvan Hills Highway 107, Sherwood, Ark. 72120. We will celebrate his life at a memorial service at the church on Friday April 12, 2013 at 11 a.m. A graveside memorial, with full military honors, will follow at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery on Maryland Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, phone: 859-441-7300, or on-line at www.dav.org or to Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church.