Wayne H. Wheeler

Wayne H. Wheeler, 93, passed away on December 6th, 2023. Wayne was born September 5th, 1930, in Larned, Kansas to the late Frank Crozier Wheeler and Eleanor Hougland Wheeler, and grew up in the vicinity of Osawatomie, Kansas.

He enlisted in the US Navy as soon as he graduated from Osawatomie HS, Osawatomie Kansas, in 1948, and embarked on an adventure of a lifetime. Wayne rose through the enlisted ranks to Chief Radioman. He later was promoted to Warrant Officer, and subsequently promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and Ensign, Limited Duty Electronics concurrently. He later was moved to the unrestricted USN line and retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander of the line. He fought in the Korean War, during which he was the only sailor on the USS Gunston Hall to receive a Combat Letter of Commendation for his service while in Korea. He served our country for twenty-two years of active duty with honor, integrity, and civility. While in the service, he completed his bachelor's and master's degrees. Upon retirement from the Navy in 1970, Wayne became Supervisor (Dean) of Technical Education at the Lincoln Nebraska Technical College. Following a move to Winter Haven in 1974, Wayne became a JROTC Commander at Auburndale High School. In 1980, he became the Ridge Vocational Technical Center Business Administrator. He retired from the Polk County Public School System in 1989.

As Wayne used to laugh and say, “Not bad for a poor Kansas farm boy."

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, grandson, and many other relatives, including his first wife, Theresa. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Jacquelene “Jackie” C. Wheeler, along with his six children; Bruce (Terry) Wheeler of Greensboro, NC, Steven (Charles Cormick) Wheeler of London, England, Dennis Wheeler of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Thomas (Kathy) Wheeler of Lincoln, NE, Monica (Robert Steiner) Wheeler, of Pisgah, IA, and Kevin (Jossie) Wheeler of Ponte Vedra, FL; eight surviving grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; as well as two stepchildren, John (Debi) Walton of Lakeland, FL, and Janet C. Walton of Winter Haven, FL, three step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren, none of whom ever felt like “steps"!

Wayne enjoyed many activities in addition to his family. He was a Master bridge player and later in life enjoyed golf and traveling with Jackie. Wayne was an admired, appreciated, and loving husband, father, guide and raconteur; with many stories of his travels and military career.

Wayne’s family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to all of the staff members at

Florida Presbyterian Home for their dedicated support through the years of Wayne and Jackie’s

residence. Since publication of this notice Mrs. Wheeler has since passed away on January 8, 2024. In addition, Home Instead has provided comfort, caring, and attention for Wayne and Jackie for several months.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for both Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler at 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Florida Presbyterian Homes Chapel, in Lakeland, FL.

Inurnment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.