2024
Marvin “Marv” Wayne Wheeler of Lafayette, IN crossed the finish line on Saturday, April 20, 2024, surrounded by his family at Franciscan Health East.
Marv was born on August 20, 1940, to the late Ward and Evelyn Simmons-Wheeler at Home Hospital in Lafayette. He was raised in Clarks Hill and graduated from Lauramie High School in 1958. Growing up and throughout his life, Marv was an athlete and avid sports fan. His record would show his basketball career was so profound that there was a poem written for him after he scored the winning shot from half court.
He loved baseball too. Marv was an amazing pitcher, so good he had an invitation to try-out for the Chicago White Sox, but that opportunity fell short after he met the love of his life, Sharon Kay Burton, and while he was woo-ing her on a date at the Frankfort Fair, he threw his arm out while trying to impress her and win her a prize.
Marv and Sharon were married at Stockwell Methodist Church on August 27, 1961, and started their epic love story that lasted nearly 63 years.
He started his career at Alcoa. While Alcoa was shut down, he had the opportunity to work for Bob Higman Engines – building race cars and working in a pit crew at the Indy 500. After Alcoa, Marv worked at Kmart as the manager of the sporting goods department, letting his love for sports continue. He also worked at The Sportsman for many years, but ultimately retired after owning MVP Sports in Lafayette.
His children, Steve (Ginny) Wheeler of Flora, IN, and Barb (Troy) Bruce of Lafayette, were his pride and joy. Family meant everything to him, and Marv would take every opportunity to brag about them to whoever would listen. Growing up, Steve and Barb remember that Dad was present in every moment, big or small! His appreciation and admiration for his family was obvious, and his love was pure.
Marv’s truest treasures were his 5 grandchildren: Josh (Hayley) Wheeler, Greg (Lance Connolly) Wheeler, Erika (Jerry) Knotts, Mason Bruce, and Karsyn (Logan) Martin, and 7 great-grandchildren: Meredith Wheeler, Ella Wheeler, Haddie Wheeler, Tenley Knotts, Trenton Knotts, Waylon Wheeler and Walter Wheeler. Pa was the best of the best. Whether he was taking you fishing, to the woodshed, showing you how to mow, attending the moments that mattered, or serving up homemade ice cream and home grown strawberries, Pa’s presence was profound. The memories made were endless and will forever be cherished.
Along with his parents, Marv was preceded in death by 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and his great-grandson, Grayson Wheeler.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at Soller Baker Lafayette Chapel. There will be a private burial at Yorktown Cemetery in Stockwell, IN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Woodhaven Rescue Farm. Envelopes will be available. For online condolences, visit www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Condolences for the family 016
John Schwarz
April 21, 2024 12:11 am ·I’m so sorry for your loss, Steve, Ginny, and your family. Prayers for you all.
Jeff Sarault
April 21, 2024 2:09 am ·Marvin was as good as a man I ever knew. Loved sports for sure. My deepest sympathy to Sharon, Steve and Barbie. RIP Marvin. Prayers to all of you.
Jeff
CARLA buchanan
April 21, 2024 8:10 am ·So sorry Steve an the rest of the family for your loss
Michael Baird
April 21, 2024 8:15 am ·Steve, Ginny and family, so sorry for your families loss.
Melody Curwick
April 21, 2024 9:32 am ·So very sorry to hear this news.
Marv was a great guy and I have lots of wonderful memories with him.
Sharon, Steve, and Barb I’m keeping you in my thoughts! Prayers to you all and your entire family.
Much love,
~Melody Curwick
Deb Hassett
April 21, 2024 12:28 pm ·So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers for all.
duane p. overholser
April 21, 2024 1:08 pm ·steve sorry for your lost will be in pray for you and your family
Terri Kelly
April 21, 2024 2:29 pm ·So sorry to hear of your loss Steve and Jenny. I didn’t know him, but he sounds just as awesome as my dad was. I’m sure he was so proud of the man you have become.
Joyce
April 21, 2024 5:48 pm ·I’m so sorry Steve and Ginny for the loss of your Dad prayers for the whole family one great guy will sure be missed until we meet again in Heaven
Tom and Bev Overholser
April 22, 2024 8:35 am ·Steve, we are so sorry for the passing of your dad! He must have had an amazing life with family and sports. Tom pitched in high school and league, so he got a kick out of your dad throwing his arm out trying to impress your mom! Prayers to you and your family!🙏🏻🙏🏻
Reba Kinder
April 23, 2024 8:06 pm ·Sharon and family, I am so very sorry to read of Marvin’s passing. My sympathy to you and your immediate family and to your siblings whom I know feel your loss.
Jackie Linedecker Padgett
April 23, 2024 10:28 pm ·So sorry to hear of Marvin’s passing.. Thinking of Sharon and family❤️🙏
Luetta Dieterle Moore
April 24, 2024 10:41 am ·To the Wheeler family: I was sorry to hear if the passing of one my classmates. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Combs
April 24, 2024 3:05 pm ·So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Butch Corbin
April 25, 2024 6:11 am ·So very sorry for your loss. Shelley and I will keep your family in our prayers.
John and Sharon Woods
April 29, 2024 2:59 pm ·We are so sorry to hear of Marvin’s passing. He led such a full and interesting life. Sharon, you and your entire family have our deepest sympathies.
Leave a Condolence
Please share your message of condolence with the family. It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published.