John Wurster Wheeler, born Nov. 2, 1936 in Jonesville, LA and a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018 at the age of 81. John was born in Jonesville and grew up in Alexandria. He graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria in 1955. He received a BS in Chemical Engineering from LSU and was active in the ROTC and a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked for Dupont Chemical in Florence, SC, and Dow Chemical in Plaquemine, LA. After retirement, he started his own consulting firm. He loved sports and played high school football, and coached little league football and baseball for upper elementary boys' teams. He loved his dogs. He was an avid golfer, and also loved fishing and hunting with friends. Active in church his entire life, he helped start a new church in South Carolina and was an elder of that church at age 25. In Baton Rouge, he was a Deacon at University Presbyterian Church. Later, the family moved to First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and enjoyed serving as a visitor to the sick in hospitals and the fellowship of Bible study. He is survived by his wife, Ella Rein Austin Wheeler of Baton Rouge; son, David A. Wheeler and wife Yvette of Baton Rouge; daughter, Elizabeth S. Wheeler of New Orleans; grandchildren, Matthew Wheeler of Port Allen, and Michelle Wheeler of Asheville, North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Allison and Jayden Wheeler; and numerous nieces and nephews. The joy of his life were his good friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Paul Wheeler and Myrtle Wurster Wheeler; brothers, Henry Paul Wheeler, Jr., Harvey M. Wheeler, and Jack Wheeler; sisters, Alyce Wheeler Newkirk, Ruby Edith Wheeler Noe, and June Wheeler Peach; paternal grandparents, Henry Perry Wheeler and Francis Boden; maternal grandparents, John Arthur Wurster and Eula Francis Wiggins. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the Dunham Chapel of First Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Dr. Gerrit S. Dawson and Rev. Jim Solomon. A reception will follow at 3:00 at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rabenhorst Funeral Home Downtown. The family wishes to thank all of his compassionate caregivers and friends, especially Elsie Stephens and Carmen Cowell. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation.
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Mrs Wheeler,Beth & David...I am sorry for your loss.
Tommy Lambert
March 23, 2018
Ella Reine....thinking about you and my old buddy this morning.Barb and I are so disappointed we cannot be there. Let's remember the absolutely wonderful times togetherand give thanks for them. I will truly miss the olde boy....
Take care.....Mike and Barb
Mike Gauthier
March 22, 2018
Ella Rein,
Johnny was my partner on several golf events in the 1980's in Alexandria at the old Rapides CC & at the Alexandria G&CC. May his soul rest in peace.
Neil Klock
March 21, 2018
Ella Rein
I have such great memories of John at Sigma Chi. He is the one that nicknamed me " Cutie Pie". I did contact John Stropp and he knew. also Charles Ray will send out a note to all the sigs so they will know. regards. BL and Connie
Larry Champagne
March 21, 2018
I have such special memories of John when you all would come to the Peach's house. He always made me feel so loved and we laughed so much. I am thinking of you all and know he will be so missed. Thinking of you all. Love, Beth McDaniel
March 21, 2018
Ella Rein,
Just my sincere condolences in the death of
Johnny. He was such a fine young man and from the obituary it sounds as if his life was outstanding.
I have you, your children, and grandchildren in my thoughts and wish you some comfort in knowing how well he was thought of.
[email protected]
Peggy O Bennett
March 21, 2018
Ella Rein, John always admired Johnny and talked about their time together at Bolton High as a very wonderful time. My thoughts are with you.
Sharon Hazleton
March 20, 2018
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