Wilmer "Dean" Wheeler

Wilmer Dean Wheeler, 85, of Tishomingo, passed away peacefully/went to be with the Lord on October 21, 2020 at his home.  

He was born December 12, 1934 to Daniel Penty & Alva Marie(Owen) Wheeler in Ardmore, OK. He married LaJuan“Lou/Sister/Mama Lou” Pope December 17, 1960 in Ardmore, OK.  She survives. They shared nearly 60 years together. 

He is survived by daughter Jan (Raymond) Kelly, Waxahachie, TX, son Penty (Kimberley) Wheeler, Royse City, TX, Johnnie Wheeler, Gordonville, TX. 5 Grandchildren, Daniel (Vikki) Wheeler, Brandon (Melanie) Wheeler, Larry (Ashley) Maglothin, Alyssa (Beren) Bragg, Alex Wheeler, 6 Great Grandchildren, Levi & Evelyn Wheeler, Brynlee Wheeler, Kenneth, Carter, & Charlotte Maglothin. Wheeler Nephews; James, Otto, & Dean. Niece Carolyn, nephews; Norman, Floyd & Larry in Colorado. Brother-in-laws, Sister-in-laws, nieces & nephews. Many lifelong friends that loved him deeply.

Wilmer Dean was preceded in death by his parents, sisters

Sandy Brown, Tess Prebble and one brother Joe Wheeler. Brother-in-laws: Rayford, Gene, Kenneth, Boyd. Niece-Kathy, Nephew-Randy, Nephew-Ronnie

Wilmer Dean is a US Korean War Veteran with 19 months Korean service, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1960 on the USS Grapple (ARS-7) as an engineer EN3. He is a member of the Tishomingo VFW, American Legion and a 34-year member Masonic Oklahoma Blue Lodge #91 Tishomingo, reaching the highest position of Master Mason in 2008. He was also a member of Bullard Chapel Baptist Church.

Wilmer Dean worked for Texas Instruments for 25 years, beginning 1969 in Dallas, TX in the Government Products Division as a Quality Control Inspector. In 1978 transferred to Sherman, TX Texas Instruments and moved back to his beloved hometown of Tishomingo. While working at Sherman TI he was assigned to the Paveway & Harm Missile Weapon System Fabrication Facilitythrough 1987. Retiring in 1994. 

For over 55 years Dean was a master gunsmith and machinist; repairing, building and designing custom guns of all kinds in Dean’s Gun Clinic at their home. Dean also worked in D & D Sporting Goods store in Tishomingo. After retirement, to stay busy in his late 70’s, he worked for the City of Tishomingo for 3 years in the City Code Enforcement Dept. Was a salesman for Techni-Tool LLC, and provided machine tools, machine method consulting, and other supplies giving support to his largest and most loyal account,Oklahoma Steel and Wire Co.,  Madill, Oklahoma.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Loved all animals with a compassionate heart.

It was his wishes to be cremated. Private Memorial services will be held at a later date in the Spring.  

As an expression of sympathy, memorials may be made to Masonic Lodge #91, Community Reach-Out or Tishomingo Lions Club.

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