William Wheeler

William Atrell Wheeler, a 34-year resident of Cape Girardeau, died at Heartland Care and Rehab Center. He lost his battle with lung cancer Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at the age of 80.

Bill, as he was known to his many friends and family, was born Feb. 12, 1925, son of Jasper Newton and Mabel Eugenia Davis Wheeler of Moro, Ark. He was one of 11 children; five boys and six girls (Nora, Gladys, Jimmy, Roy, Laverne, Irvin, Ira, Jane, Muriel and Elsie).

Mr. Wheeler was the husband of the late Lillian Lois Carter Wheeler of Brinkley, Ark.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kirllian Putz Perry Wheeler of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Muriel Colvin of Southaven, Miss.; a brother, Irvin Wheeler of Wilmer, Ala.; three children, the Rev. Thomas J. Wheeler of Surabaya, Indonesia, Linnie K. Plunk of Arnold, Mo., Robbie L. Desen of Aurora, Colo.; three grandchildren, Michael Wheeler, Amy Plunk and Jeremiah Desen. Mr. Wheeler is also survived by stepchildren, Richard Perry of Scott City, Mike Perry, Shirley Knight and Dorothy Allen, all of Cape Girardeau.

Mr. Wheeler was the proprietor of National Barber Shop on Spanish Street from 1975 to 1991. Most recently he enjoyed flea markets, yard sales and auctions.

He was a World War II veteran, serving in the Philippines and Japan from 1945 to 1946. He was a member of VFW Post 3838.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Charles Lance officiating. He will be laid to rest at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield at 11 a.m. Monday, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 3838 and Missouri Military Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to Assemblies of God World Missions, account number 2371672.