Orem Adair Wheeler

Orem Wheeler, age 88, formerly of Defoe, and later Frankfort, Kentucky and Acworth, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2014, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born on November 16, 1926, to the late Lyndon and Mary Thomas Wheeler in Henry County, Kentucky. Mr. Wheeler had a long and successful career in service to the public, beginning with owning and operating Wheeler's Store in Defoe, as well as serving as a US Postmaster, while also beginning his tenure in banking. He worked several years at the Deposit Bank of Pleasureville before transferring to the Central Bank of Pleasureville, where he served as bank president until his retirement in 1986. After moving to Frankfort, he began working for the State of Kentucky, Division of Abandoned Mines, and worked there until 1996. He spent the last 16 years in Acworth, Georgia, where he was very happily employed as a greeter for Walmart until November, 2013. While Mr. Wheeler enjoyed gardening, playing card games, and following University of Kentucky basketball, his favorite pastime was interacting with people. Mr. Wheeler's friendliness, generosity, and enthusiasm for life were well-known to all and he never met a stranger. He was always ready with a smile, a joke, and a very contagious laugh, and was dearly loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Mr. Wheeler was a Veteran of the United States Army and United States Air Force, a member of the Pleasureville Masonic Lodge #410, and a life-long member of the Defoe Christian Church. Orem is survived by his wife of 60 years, Geraldine "Geri" B. Moore Wheeler, his son Grant (Anna) Wheeler of West Palm Beach, Florida, his daughter Crystal Wheeler (Mark Patmon) of Acworth, Georgia, several nieces and nephews, and many special friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Grant, Milton and Frank Wheeler, and his sisters Bessie O'Nan, Frances Waddell, and Nellie Bright. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2014 at Sholar Funeral Home of Pleasureville with Rev. Carl Rucker officiating. Interment will be in Defoe Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2014 at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held at 7 p.m. during the evening of visitation. Pallbearers include Erik Jarboe, Sean Jarboe, Billy Joe Stivers, Wayne Ethington, Don McGowan and Rodney Young. Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater KY and Southern IN, 6100 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205. Online condolences may be expressed at sholarfuneralhome.com.

Service:

11 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2014

Sholar Funeral Home 5710 Castle Highway Pleasureville, KY 40057



Visitation:

5 - 8 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2014

Sholar Funeral Home 5710 Castle Highway Pleasureville, KY 40057