Walter Wheeler

Walter Wheeler Walter "Wayne" Wheeler 89, of Eugene passed away due to complications of a stroke on July 25, 2014. He was born on December 17, 1924 to Walter and Velillian (Cockerill) Wheeler in Madrid, Nebraska. Wayne was a graduate of Springfield High School where he would return later in his life to teach but, WWII interrupted from, 1944 to 1946. Wayne proudly served his country as a US Army navigator in a B-24 Liberator in the skies over the Pacific. When he returned Wayne continued his education by completing his Bachelor's degree at the University of Oregon. He would also receive his Master's from the University. In 1950 he married Donna M. Smith in Springfield, Oregon. During their 64 year marriage Wayne and Donna loved each other very much. Together they raised two sons, Dan and David and a daughter, Nancy (Nikki). With a family to support, Wayne taught High School Math at his alma mater for over 20 years. He also joined his father as a Realtor, working out of an office they built together in Springfield. In his spare time Wayne enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and wood working projects. During the summer, family trips were filled with fishing, chess matches and water skiing. Although with the latter he preferred to watch his family enjoy themselves. Another hobby was rock hunting where he would polish his finds and have them set into jewelry for his wife, Donna. Wayne is survived by his wife Donna of Eugene; son Dan(Cherelyn) Wheeler of Eugene; daughter Nancy "Nikki" Markwell of Portland; sisters Ruth Rice of Mohawk, OR, Lucille Bailey of Seattle, WA and 5 grandchildren; Stephanie Fittinger, Miranda Stroh, Amy Niles, Wayne Wheeler and Stacy Wheeler. He was preceded in death by his son David in 2012; brother Harold and a sister Dorothy. Services will be held at the Riviera Baptist Church in Eugene. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made to the Eugene Mission. You are invited to view the obituary and sign the guestbook at www.musgroves.com.