VALLONIA

Melvin Gene Wheeler, 78, of Vallonia, died at 6:42 a.m. Friday, September 7, 2018 at the Salem Crossing. He had been ill for 4 years. He was a 1958 graduate of Vallonia High School. Melvin was a member of the Vallonia Christian Church where for years he was very active in any volunteer work that he could do and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was taught carpentry as a young boy, by his father and used his skills in so many ways to help his family, friends, church, and community. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening and most of all spending time with his family.

Melvin was born April 25, 1940 in Washington County, IN to the late Clarence Arthur Wheeler & Rachel Ida Trowbridge Wheeler. On June 2, 1962 he married Linda Wright in Vallonia, IN and she survives. Linda was always Melvin’s #1 concern and he took care of her from the day that they married. Together, they had 2 sons, Tony Allen (Carla) Wheeler of Hayden and Ryan Douglas (Shellie) Wheeler of Sellersburg. Other survivors include grandchildren, Cory Wheeler, Melanie Miles, Nathan Wheeler, Shelby Abel, Tyler & Cameron Wheeler, Braydee, Jasmyn & Hunter Wheeler; great grandchildren, Carter Muench & Tanner Hope; brother, Herbert Wheeler of Columbus; sisters, Janet Davidson of Port St. Lucie, FL and Shirley White of Jacksonville, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Jack, Charlie & Robert Wheeler and a great granddaughter, Isabella Rose Wright.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home, Vallonia with Chris Criminger officiating. Friends may visit at the Funeral Home on Sunday, September 9th from 2-6 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will take place at the Vallonia Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Vallonia Christian Church.