Our beloved Father and Pappy, Joe Roy Wheeler, passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, December 15, 2024, in Hondo, Texas. Born on August 17, 1945, in Poteet, Texas, to Kenneth Royal and Alva McCullough Wheeler, Joe was raised on the family farm, El Rancho Starvo, with his 4 siblings.

He was educated in Poteet schools from which he graduated in 1963. After graduation, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State College (San Marcos) but would have rather stayed on the farm to work the land and fish as often as he could. Drafted into the Vietnam War in 1966, Joe proudly served his country as a medic for the U.S. Army. After being honorably discharged, he went home to Poteet where he started his family.

After a few years of working in Uvalde, Texas, he became the foreman of the Rowe Ranch where he raised his children and was an active member of the D'Hanis community, coaching Little League, participating in the Lions Club, and serving as Commander of VFW Post 3891 for several years. He then went to work for his brother at Wheeler Farms in Poteet. After residing in Castroville for a decade, he and his wife, Lindy, moved back to D'Hanis which is where he resided at the time of his passing.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lonnie Wheeler; brother-in-law, Bruce Curran; the mother of his children, Patricia Mogford; and granddaughter, Max Simmons. Surviving him are his wife, Lindy Wheeler of D'Hanis; children, Hillarrie (Darrell) Jones of The Woodlands; Effie Wheeler of Austin; Walker (Jenifer) Wheeler of Fairbanks, Alaska; and LauraJo Wheeler of Dallas. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Carson Roy & Peighton Jones; Melelana Johanna Wheeler & Makamae Perry; William, Michael, & Jacob Odom; Amelia Jo & Alva Wheeler; and Laney Jo Wheeler. In addition, his sisters, Linda (Jim) Bennett and Pamela Curran of San Antonio, and brother, Ronnie (Linda) Wheeler of Poteet; stepchildren and their children, Ryan (Avery) Rothe, Wyatt and Maggie; Robin (Jason) Simmons, Mae & Myer; and Reagan (Minna) Rothe, Lena and Walter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins are left to mourn his passing.

A service will be held at the end of December in Poteet. In lieu of flowers, donations to a local VFW post may be made in memory of Joe, or Veterans of Foreign Wars Medina Post 3891, c/o Tony Johnson, P.O. Box 546, D'Hanis TX 78850.

The family thanks everyone for the love and words of support we have received since his passing. He was a great man who touched many lives.