Robert G. Wheeler

Robert (Bob/Doc/Wheels) was born to Richard and Maybelle Wheeler on June 8,1920 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Blessed with 94 years, Bob passed away peacefully on May 22 with his wife at his side. Much of his early years were spent in Lincoln and Omaha Nebraska. By age ten he and his family, grandparents and all, loaded up in an old Essex and headed to Oregon. Travel adventures to entertain us all! First stop was Eugene then way up North to Corvallis. Bob graduated from CHS in 1938 remaining friends with many of the guys on the football team he played on. They continued to reunite until about ten years ago. Working two jobs to help with tuition, as a paperboy and service station attendant, he still found time to start a bicycle repair shop with his good friend Fong Lee. Hard work and time management became the foundation he lived by. He was able to pursue his degree at OSU taking time out to serve his country in World War II with many stories that will remain untold as with so many men and women of 'the greatest generation.' His work ethic came into play as he quickly moved from Private to Captain with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Thank you for your service. A very innovative, resourceful and successful Mechanical Engineer, Draftsman, and Inventor Bob was able to follow his passion of converting wood waste into useful everyday products, designing and building the machinery to produce the new product. With all this going on he always had time to have a martini with friends, a golf game or guided fishing trip. Good sense of humor and a big smile were a trademark of his character. 1981 opened a new chapter in Bob's journey. He met and later married Arlene. Already blessed with two daughters and a son, Bonnie, Diane and Mike. Four grandchildren, Chris, Austin, Taylor, Kylin and one great granddaughter, Isabell, Two more daughters Heidi Cleary, Cheslah Barkdoll (Walter Pebley) added to the clan. They produced seven more grandchildren. Bobby, Jimmy, Sam and Katy Cleary. Hali Barkdoll (Alex Manriquez) Luke and Jacob Pebley. The latest addition a great grandson, Kenneth Barkdoll. Never would there be a downtime weekend! Bob loved attending all their activities. Football, basketball, baseball, golf, swimming and tennis! He never tired of being there to cheer them on! Thirty years of marriage included extensive travel by air, ship, train and car. All that added to a long and full life. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, a nephew Chris Chambers and an extended family grandson, Jason Sweeney. At his request there will be no service. The family will have a private graveside farewell. Bob loved to raise his glass when with family and friends for a toast to H & H, health and happiness! Raise your glass, reflect on your own memory and hold it close. In lieu of flowers a donation to Jackson Street Youth Shelter is appreciated.

Tributes

Robert G. Wheeler

June 8, 1920 - May 22, 2015