Rex Derrell Wheeler

Rex Wheeler passed away on Saturday, the 14th of September, after what he told us was “a pretty good run.” He was surrounded by family, his wife Jeanne, sons David and his wife Deb, and Derrell and his wife Kristin, and grandchildren Nicole, Jake, Kady and Clara. He was comfortable, and ready to go. Many stories were told about his love of going camping and doing some gold panning, his pleasure heading out to the woodshop to build doll cradles, rocking horses, earring racks, and turning bowls and itty-bitty bird houses. He loved music, good cheese, and hunting and fishing season. 

He spent a few years in the Navy aboard the USS Iwo Jima, then found his way to the US Forest Service working over 30 years in reforestation. He was well known for his genial cantankerousness, sense of humor, and willing smile for family and stranger alike. He could often be found drinking coffee with neighbors at the store, sharing tales both short and tall. Like most folks in Beaver, he was a willing helper for whatever needed doing, and often pulled in his sons David and Derrell, sharing the pleasure and habit of work well done for others. In later years, he enjoyed taking grandkids on adventures in fishing, camping, and travel. 

His love for his wife Jeanne is deep and enduring, beginning over 56 years ago when he went into the diner, bold as you please, where she was having a cup of coffee while her friend was working, and asked her out. The rest is our family. He wasn’t much interested in a big funeral or a party, but we’re certain he’d appreciate people putting in a good word while sharing coffee with friends.