Richard Wheeler
March 29, 2011
Richard L. Wheeler, 73, was born August 5, 1937 in Madrid, the son of Herbert and Martha (Hounsom) Wheeler. He died Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at his home in Perry.
Richard attended Des Moines Technical High School from 1953-1955, and in 1956 graduated from East High School in Des Moines. Following graduation in 1957, Richard entered the United States Navy and Fleet Sonar School in January 1958, graduating July of the same year. He was assigned to Destroyer U.S.S. Porterfield DD682 in July 1958. In 1959, he was transferred to Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare School for a three-week advanced training where he attained the rate of Sonarman, Second Class (Paygrade E5). Richard was later transferred to Destroyer Base for honorable discharge in May 1961.
Richard was hired with Western Electric in July 1961. He retired in 1994 after 32 years of service with Western Electric and AT&T. Five years later, Richard entered amateur radio as a novice/tech no code, and progressed through Tech Plus, General, Advanced, and achieved Amateur Extra in 2001. As of May 16, 2001, he was working towards an Army Military Auxiliary Radio System License (MARS), which is a division of the Department of Defense. Richard was issued a permanent Army Military Auxiliary Radio System License as of November 29, 2001. In January 2002, he was a designated Net Control Station in the MARS program and was active in Voice and Digital modes (PKS31-MT63-Amtor & Pactor). Richard joined the Shared Resources High Frequency Program (SHARES) October 2002. SHARES is an Emergency Message Handling System that supports National Security and Emergency Preparedness.
He was a life member of the American Motorcyclist Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Isaac Walton League, and a Benefactor Life Member of the National Rifle Association.
Richard is survived by his daughters, Kelly (Robin) Wheeler, Brenda (James) Fees, and Pennie (Tom) Ritter; grandchildren, Chantelle,Mike, Bradley and Keela; great-grandson, Andrew Wheeler; and his brother, Raymond Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane and two infant sons, Brian and Brent; granddaughter, Ashley Clark.
The family will greet friends from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Betty Lou Lujan (Mike)
04/07/2011
So sorry to hear about the passing of Richard. Another Western Electric employee gone.
Our prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Sincery,
Betty Lou Lujan
Twila Salsbury
04/02/2011
Dick and I both extend our deepest sympathies. This can be a trying time for you, but I am sure with your trust in our Lord and your lasting faith, that you will be guided through any hard times that face you. You are in our thought and prayers.
Lowell Abarr
03/31/2011
Hi everyone I am so sorry to hear about Dick,I will miss him Lowell
1st Daughter Kelly
03/31/2011
Thank you to all that were able nto share in Dads life, he loved, cared and took great pride in all his life. Not only of his family but friends also. He had a great passion for his HAM radio, would look forward to taking care of as much as he could. He was honest and trustworthy- did his best. I miss him and know you all do too!
Arnold Krauel WA0GUD
03/30/2011
My thoughts are with the family of Dick.
He was a good friend and Club Member of
the Coon Valley Amateur Radio Club for many years.
Arnold
from Audubon
Steve Rogers
03/31/2011
I will remember Dick talking about the motorcycles he owned and also the Packard's. He will be missed!!
Pat 'Rhoades'Ramsey
03/31/2011
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. We belonged to Our Own Van Club and had lot;s of good times with Dick & Diane. God Bless all of you!