Obituary of Larry Wheeler

Larry Wheeler, age 83, peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on March 25, 2024. He was born August 2, 1940 to Lawrence Lee and Elsie Armenta Wheeler in Xenia, IL. He had one younger sister, Linda Podeschi. Graduating from Flora High School he enlisted in the Navy to serve four years while continuing a specialized program of study being stationed at the Naval Air Station at Sigonella in Sicily. As a 2nd class petty officer he was part of the Flying Phantoms. Soon after honorable discharge he married Elsie Mae (Spencer) Wheeler and together they raised Brenda (Wheeler) Leto and Clay Wheeler. After nearly 50 years of marriage, his beloved wife of whom he had cared for during an extended illness passed away. In 2020 he married Sandra (Kilmer) Wheeler. He is survived by his wife Sandra and his sister Linda Podeschi. He is also survived by his daughter and her four sons; Dustin Anderson, Ariel Leto, Jude Leto and Seth Leto and one great grandson, Haven Leto and additionally by his son Clay Wheeler, his wife Justine Wheeler and their sons and daughter; Wyatt Wheeler, Cole & Ciara Wheeler and Abby Wheeler. He also had one step-son and four step-daughters; Dusty Kilmer, Sindy Downs, Suzanne Stockton, Julie Denbo and Joy Lombard and their 10 children and 7 great-grandchildren. There are also several sister-in-laws and many nephews and nieces. Larry learned very early in life how to work hard and to be responsible for himself and others. He grew up in the country being accustomed to farm life and working with his family in the local general store. After the Navy, he began work with General Telephone & Electric company (GTE) as a draftsman, telecommunications engineer and eventually as project manager and upper management. He always had a love for music; pickin’ on a guitar at times, loved the Ozark hills and enjoyed fishing Table Rock lake. As a result, when he retired, he and his wife bought property at a family favored campground at Arrowhead Point that was being sold and subdivided. They built a house on the lake and lived the dream. They worked at Silver Dollar City; he as a sound & lighting technician and she as a costume designer to support the many shows. He enjoyed getting to know the many artists that were employed there and following them as they moved on to other venues. They also enjoyed life on the Branson strip visiting the Country music shows and other attractions. Their children visited frequently to enjoy the lake and provide the same traditions for the grandchildren to learn more about fishing and lake life from grandpa. Eventually, Larry decided to winter in Florida. For several years he and his wife explored Lake George in central Florida, chasing the big bass. Eventually he settled in Punta Gorda living in a retirement community with property on a canal front so he could enjoy the sunshine and explore fishing in a different environment. As a result of his experience at Silver Dollar City, he quickly became ‘the sound man’ at the community clubhouse assisting with various special events. Larry watched his wife, Elsie, come to salvation on her deathbed and had heard the gospel on various occasions throughout life. The Lord impressed his daughter to specifically pray for the Lord to bring people into his life to continuously bring the Word of God to him. Many others prayed for him as well. Some time after being widowed and experiencing the resulting loneliness, he met Sandra. They bonded over a love for music and enjoyed spending time doing things together. At her request they attended church together where he grew in an understanding of God’s Word. She eventually had the privilege and blessing to lead him to the Lord where he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior on July 7, 2023. All praise goes to the Lord. All who knew Larry respected him. He was characterized as a responsible man who cared for his wives, children and grandchildren and who had positive influences on all those that knew him. In lieu of flowers and in loving memory of Larry, please share your personal story of his impact and influence on your life using the ‘Tribute Wall’ button on this website. Services will be scheduled at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery and the Cowboy church in Springfield, Mo. Dates will be posted once they are available.