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Paul Gordon Wheeler
06/05/1952 — 07/12/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Rochester, MN
Paul Gordon Wheeler
Paul Gordon Wheeler, 57, of Richland, WA, entered our Lords rest and mercy on July 12th, 2009. Paul was born June 5th, 1952, in Rochester, MN, and lived in the Tri-Cities for 33 years.
Paul entered the Navy right out of high school, shortly after marrying his childhood sweetheart, Julie. The skills he learned in the Navy took him to the Tri-Cities where he worked at Hanford as a millwright for almost 30 years. He formed many special friendships at Hanford, many of these friendships continued long after he left the work force.
He and Julie taught their children the value of compassion - the art of loving people for who they are. One of the ways they demonstrated their love for others was through Special Olympics. Paul was a coach and volunteer with Special Olympics for many years and received great joy from it.
However, Paul received the greatest joy from his children and grandchildren. Following the death of his beloved wife he dealt daily with the complications of heart disease but Paul was driven to continue for the sake of his children, often more concerned with their futures and well-being than for himself.
Survivors include his brother Philip, MN, sons Brandon Wheeler and Danny Wheeler of Richland; daughter Lisa Shane Lansing of Kennewick, and granddaughters Christina, Madison, and Rebekah. He is also survived by sister-in-law Jill Bennett, AZ; brother-in-laws Jim Annie Craighead, MN, and John Craighead, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley, his father, Gordon, and the wife he loved dearly, Julie Wheeler.
A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 pm Saturday, July 18th, 2009, at Southside Church, 517 Jadwin Ave., Richland. In honor of Pauls sense of style, NO NECKTIES WILL BE ALLOWED! Contributions to honor Pauls memory may be made to Southside Church or to Eastern Washington Special Olympics, 8911 W. Grandridge, Suite P, Kennewick, WA 99336.
Pauls children would like to thank the staff of Tri-Cities Home Health and Kadlec ICU for their compassion and care!
Paul will be missed greatly by those remaining but we take comfort in the fact that he has gone to be with his savior, where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no tears. We encourage you to embrace this as well.
Lisa-
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad…he was such a great guy. It’s been about a million years since I saw him and You but, I will say a prayer for your family.
God Bless,
Becky Backstrom
We had the pleasure to coach Special Olympics Softball teams in the Tri Cities at the same time as Paul. Through scrimmages and bus trips to state, we enjoyed the times we shared with him, and we and our players will miss him. Thanks for the help and memories, Paul.
As one of Paul’s co-workers I enjoyed being with him both at work and on the softball field. He is missed. Please know you are in my prayers. May you experience all of God’s mercy and comfort at this time. 2Corinthians 1:2-5
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. May you have some peace knowing that he is with your mom right now and they are both smiling down at you all. Prayers and hugs are being sent to you all,
Tina Perrault & family
Lisa, Danny & Brandon,
Your dad was a fantastic man. I loved your parents dearly. Paul was a great influence on me as I became further involved in volunteering with the Special Olympics. Some of my greatest moments come from coaching.
Brandon & Danny, you are the best. You both are spectacular young men. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Denise
509.392.1002
We are very sorry for your loss. You’re father was an amazing person who touched the lives of so many people. We have had the pleasure of coaching a Special Olypmics softball team with Paul the past few years and just this year took over for him. He made a big impact in the lives of so many of our athletes and he will forever be missed. The Tri-City All Stars the softball team that Paul coached would like to dedicate this season in his memory.
To the Wheeler family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Paul. Paul was a great man who will be truly missed by so many, his heart & mind & sprit touch so many during his years. I will always have the memories as will all of those he met over the years. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever. I will forward the news of Pauls passing. To my mother Laurie Larson, a dear friend of his and Julies… Paul is with God now & Julie and is at rest with the rest of his family and friends. My heart truly goes out to all his children and his family during this. God bless you all,
I worked with Paul for a number of years at N-Reactor. Paul was always in good humor no matter the task at hand. When we had time to visit you knew how proud and how much he loved his family. I am proud to call him “friend”. He will be missed here on earth but he is at peace in heaven with out Lord.
hi paul i am going to miss you very much think your for helping me bat i am getting good now thak your for that i love u as a coach
sharon remsen
For the Family of Paul Gordon Wheeler
From the Kennewick Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
There are no words to express the sorrow of losing a loved one. It is a pain that only time will heal. While we did not know Paul personally, as DAR members we honor his commitment to our country and his service in its defense. The DAR strongly supports our nations’ militay, and we recognize the personal sacrifice that each member gives, as well as their families.
To that end, we offer you our heartfelt condolences, and prayers of comfort. We thank you for Paul’s service, and his sacrifice to our country.
May God bless you and comfort you as you remember just how very special Paul was to his family, and his country.
In grateful remembrance,
The members of the Kennewick Chapter DAR
Paul Wheeler, excelent Millwright,
D shift 100N, very good union stewart, good grave yard cook, very good partner to work with. Lots of good times. We solved some
“can’t be dones” together, good millwrights are hard to find, Paul was the best.
Paul Thomson
We will miss your Dad as we miss your Mother at Church. They were always a big part of the Sunday School and knew the Bible well. Your Dad was always encouraging in the projects that were being done even when he could not do the physical work envolved. We enjoyed him and will miss him greatly.
Lisa, Brandon, and Danny, we pray for the Lord’s love, comfort, and grace for you. Your wonderful Dad coached T-Ball for our son Chris many years ago, and we will always remember his obvious passion and joy in his work with Chris and the team. Thank you for sharing Paul with the rest of us and thank you God for the many ways you blessed so many people through him.
To the Family Of Paul
I had the opportunity of working with Paul and he a great person to work with…his sense of humor was great…his act of kindness was great. He always had a helping hand, he would help anybody in need. His activity with the Special olympics very dedicated..
We will truely miss him.
My thoughts and prayers go to the family.
Bert Andor
Brandon & Danny,
Your father had a bigger heart than anyone I’ve ever met, and my family and I will forever miss him. No one treated others with the generosity he did, and I will never forget the memories I shared with him and the good times we all had together while playing in the Special Olympics. If either of you need someone to talk to, call me regardless of the hour. I miss you Paul.
509-528-0500
Jason Muszynski
I haven’t seen the Wheelers since I was in Richland High. During middle school, I played softball with Lisa and Mr Wheeler spent many hours helping perfect my swing.
I only remember good times with the Wheelers and am deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man. He loved his family and is down in my book as an all-around good guy.
Please accept my belated condolences.
April
Guestbook for
Paul Gordon Wheeler