William Anthony Wheeler

July 17,1939 – October 10, 2021

William A. Wheeler, 82 of St. Paul, TX was called to his eternal resting place on October 10,2021.

Commander Bill, as he was called by friends and family, was bort to George E. and Estell3 Wheeler on July 17, 1939 in Middleboro, MA where he grew up and attended school.  Graduating in the Middleboro High School Class of '57 in his third year as class President he was voted "Most Popular" and "Most likely to Succeed". And succeed he did in the U.S. navy, business and ranching endeavors.

In 1961 Bill graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, ME with a degree in government.  While attending college, he enlisted in the Navy to begin active duty upon graduation.  He entered Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and was commissioned as an Ensign after completing his naval studies.  He and his high school sweetheart then married and embarked on a Navy life together.

His first duty was aboard the USS Fortt Snelling, an LSD. stationed out of Little Creek Naval Station, VA and the command ship in the search for the Thresher.  He was also aboard the Snelling as it participated in the naval blockade during the Cuban Missel Crisis of 1962.  His next assignment was Point Arguello Naval Missile Facility in Pompoc, CA.  where he served as Asst. Scheduling Officer in the Range Dept.

After Fulfilling his active duty years, Bill and family headed back "home" to New England, but an opportunity quickly arose with Pan American at Cape Canaveral in employee relations, and the family moved to Florida, Human Resources proved to be a perfect niche for Bill, an ultimate friendly "people person". His career in HR continued when he was hired to become Mgr. of Employee and Community Relations by Allis Chambers, Inc. in Milwaukee, WI.  Initially at their corporate headquarters, he was selected to join a small team of officers charged with establishing a new facility in Wichita Falls, TX.  The years of 1968 – 1974 spent there revealed to Bill how much he loved Texas living.

While still in management and personnel administration, he joined General Portland, Inc. in Dallas for two years before attaining a promotion as Vice President at Mercantile National Bank in Dallas.  Then, after years of HR experience Bill decided to launch his own company in the Dallas area.  He never lost his of love the Navy and continued to train and participate in the Naval Reserves throughout his career until completing 20 years of service.  This accomplished, he bought a ranch in Texas and settled into a life of Texas Cattle Ranching.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Donels and husband Brad of St. Paul, Tx.  His son Christopher W. Wheeler of Pennsylvania, a sister Linda  and her husband Al Ferry of ME; and all of his beloved grandkids.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Craig A. Wheeler of WI.  As well as a sister who passed as a young child.

Commander Bill will be remembered for his love of the sea and the friends he made in school and business years.  He Loved Kingston Trio, music of the 50's, Jerry Jeff Walker, Grampa's 1939 Buick, taking his ski boat and kids to the lake, skittles and roaming his ranch land with his beloved dogs by his side.  His ashes will be taken out to sea as his final destination by the U.S. Navy.