Robert “Candyman” Wheeler

Robert William Wheeler, Sr. age 96, of Lima passed away 2:40 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at The Grand of Dublin. Bob was born on August 6, 1921 in Oakdale, TN to the late Enos Jerome and Ella Nance Wheeler.  On February 8, 1942 he married Imogene Vernia Kirkland and they had 7 children together.  On August 6, 1971 Bob married Martha Jane Arey Moore and she preceded him in death Dec. 7, 2014.

Bob served 4 years in the U.S. Army in WW II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge among other places. He retired from Warner & Swasey after working there for 42 years as a tool & dye maker and inspector.  Bob was a member of Southside Christian Church and enjoyed being with his family and playing cards.  He was known as the Candyman around town because everywhere he went he passed out Nips.  He also enjoyed garage sales with his wife Martha.

Bob is survived by his children: Robert (Leare) Wheeler Jr. of Cape Coral, FL, Linda (Terry) Jessup of Lima, Fred (Karen) Wheeler of Lima, Joel (Carol) Wheeler of Lima, Karen (Larry) Williams of Dublin and Cindi (Brian) Fox of Worthington, step children:  Susan McKay of Florida, Diana (Steve) McConnell of Lima, Sandy Gesler of Wapak and Jim Moore of Florida; 31 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, 21 great great grandchildren; a brother Richard Wheeler of Lima and a sister-in-law Joan Wheeler of Ft. Wayne and many beloved nephews and nieces.

Bob was preceded in death by a son Dale Wheeler, daughter-in-law Linda Moore, Brothers Jack, George, Joe, David and Alonzo Wheeler and sisters: Elizabeth Cummings, Helen Wilson and Gloria Gibson.

The family will receive friends 6- 8 p.m. Friday, March 23 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. The funeral will begin 10:00 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. Wanda Werking officiating.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with military rites being provided by V. F. W. Post 1275.