Thomas Lyndon Wheeler

February 03, 1952 — March 07, 2025

Thomas Wheeler

Service Details

Thomas Wheeler - a person of great strength physically, mentally and above all, spiritually, passed away in his home of a massive heart attack on March 7, 2025. He was 73 years old.

Tom was born February 3, 1952. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1970. Tom’s main talents of being an incredibly hard worker, dependable and always striving to improve, allowed him to excel throughout his career in the commercial laundry services. Tom then enjoyed working in the sign business until he retired in June 2024.

Tom’s dynamic personality was enjoyed by all who knew him, as he lit up any occasion. He will be missed by so many for his special gifts. If only he could read all the text messages we have received. Nobody was a stranger and to know him was to love him. He had such a “Gift of Gab” and had a way of making each person feel extra special. He was known as the “Life of the Party” by bringing fun and laughter, especially at holidays. He loved playing Santa Claus and having each person wear a silly hat and attire for the annual picture. Tom had an incredible sense of empathy and knew what to say and how to support people when they were hurting. He would say a spur of the moment prayer that touched your soul. His heart was full of joy when he would hand people the “Jesus Calling” book. Tom’s motto was “Make a Difference” and so he did!! He cheered on the Hawkeyes football and girls’ basketball! The Yankees and Cubs baseball were his favorites.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory are his wife of 16 years, Debbie (Melton-Jordan); his son, Scott (Michele) Wheeler; his two granddaughters, Sarah and Emily Wheeler; his niece, Sandra Erickson; his stepson, Jeremy Jordan; and two step-grandsons, Jacob, and Zachary (Ali) and their son David.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Phyllis Wheeler; his parents, Roe “Bob” and Margaret Wheeler; his sister, Barbara Jane (Steve) Erickson; and brother-in-law, Robert Erickson.

The service will be Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Reach Church, 2725 Merle Hay Rd. in Des Moines, IA with visitation prior from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus or Hope Ministries. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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