Thomas Wheeler

Thomas Wheeler

Thomas Wheeler, 81, Topeka, died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003, at his home. Mr. Wheeler worked for Hamm Inc. as an equipment operator for 30 years. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Germany and central Europe. He was decorated with the American theatre ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern theatre ribbon with two bronze stars, World War II Victory medal, Good Conduct medal and three overseas bars. He was born Sept. 29, 1922, in Tunas, Mo., the son of Thomas H. and Chatty Pearl Murphy Wheeler. He was a longtime resident of Eudora and Topeka. He was a great husband, father and grandfather. He married Margaret L. Owens on April 13, 1947, in Columbus. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Tom Wheeler and Garry Wheeler, both of Topeka; a sister, Betty Pearl Herman, Springfield, Mo.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Hopewell Freewill Baptist Church in Tunas, Mo. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery in Tunas, Mo. Mr. Wheeler will lie in state after 3 p.m. today at Parker-Price Mortuary where visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 599, Topeka, 66601-0599. Online condolences may be offered at funeralchoice.com.