Eugene Edgar Wheeler

Eugene “Ed” Edgar Wheeler, Jr., 84, of Ocala, Florida passed away in his home on, October 22, 2024. Ed was the oldest son of Eugene E. Wheeler and Mary Ann Degel. He was born on May 14, 1940. He graduated from Hartford High School, White River Junction, VT, in 1958. In November of the same year, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Ed served four years active duty with six additional years as a reservist. Ed worked in the trucking industry after the Marine Corps. He worked for Consolidated Freightways “CF” for 33 years. He started his career with CF in Akron, Ohio. He was transferred to North Platte, Nebraska where he met his wife, Wilma. They were married 49 years before her passing in 2021. They were transferred to Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania in 1979. Their last transfer was to Orlando, Florida where he retired in 2001. During his time with CF, he had over 3 Million Safe Driving miles. While living in St. Cloud he and Wilma joined the Kissimmee Elks Lodge. In his free time Ed enjoyed watching different kinds of sports. Baseball was probably the sport he enjoyed the most. His all-time favorite team was the Braves. He was a fan from when they were in Boston all the way to Atlanta. He bought a transistor radio with the money he earned from his newspaper route. With the radio he was able to pick up some of the Boston Braves games. He also enjoyed photography. He has taken pictures from across the United States. He passed on the love of photography to several of his grandchildren. Ed is survived by his children, Joy Chandler of Ocala, FL, Richard Matchett (Betty) of Langley, WA, Barbara Pellegrino (Larry) of Lakeland, FL, Marion Marasco (Tom) of Snellville, GA. His grandchildren Adam, Justin, Christina, Sheldon, Kari, Amy, Josh, Angela and Jamie. He had 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. He is preceded in death by his wife, Wilma. His parents and his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Lee Wheeler. His son-in-law, Larry Pellegrino and a great granddaughter, Georgia. There will be no services at this time. Interment will follow at Bushnell National Cemetery at a later time. Memorial Donations may be made by mail to Hospice of Marion County, P.O. Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478-4860. hospicefomarion.org. Fisher House Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 791598, Baltimore, MD 21279. fisherhouse.org The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Marion County Hospice. If not for this wonderful organization, we would not have been able to fulfill Dad’s wish of passing at home.

Eugene Edgar Wheeler

May 14, 1940 - October 22, 2024