Richard “Dick” Wallace Wheeler, age 89, of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on April 26, 2025 after several months of being surrounded by an outpouring of love and support from his family.

Dick was born in Phoenix, AZ on December 7, 1935 to Beniah and Lovel Wheeler. He and his wife Joan were sealed in the Mesa Temple and married for 25 years until her passing. Dick and Fay were married for 44 years.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Joan, 7 of his siblings, Daughter Sheri and her husband Mike and granddaughter Season.

He is survived by his wife, Fay Eagar Wheeler; their 14 children, Pam Garner (Dale), Rick Wheeler (Debbie), Dale Wheeler (Tracy), Larry Wheeler, Laura Gregory (Bill), Meilyn Bushman (Rob), Kari Earlywine, Becky Cox (Bill), Michael Eagar (Cindy), Bryan Wheeler (Christina), Joshua Eagar (Kristie), Tami McCoy (Devin), Julie Spahr, Kristen Reber (Ty); 71 Grandchildren; 141 Great Grandchildren; 4 Great Great Grandchildren and 2 of his siblings Karen Jackson (Scott) and Diane Hathcock (Ike).

Dick grew up on a small 5-acre farm in Mesa where he learned how to work hard and play hard. He passed these values on to his family, teaching them how to serve while working alongside them. He enjoyed planning fun adventures including road trips all over North America, reunions, cabin trips, hikes, campouts and more. He was an avid scouter earning the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth. As an adult leader he helped countless young men (including 6 sons and many grandsons) become Eagle scouts and was awarded the Silver Beaver award.

Dick earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arizona State College in Tempe (now ASU). He taught school for 12 years before moving into administration for the next 25 years. He was Principal at both Mesa Jr. and Poston Jr. High Schools. He “retired” in 1994 but never stopped working.

Dick cherished all of his family.  It was important to him that they loved each other and spent time together and with their grandparents and cousins. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and felt driven to share it with everyone.  He served a church mission in his youth to Florence AZ. He and Fay also served 2 missions to the Philippines and Fiji.

He tried conscientiously to always be obedient and to follow the prophets. He tried to understand, study and follow all of the gospel teachings.  He prioritized family prayer and scripture reading, home evenings, fasting, tithing and attending church weekly (even when traveling). He served in whatever calling he was asked to fill and tried to do the best job he could. He attended the temple weekly and was a temple worker for 14 years.

Dick’s hope was that at his funeral someone would say ‘He was a good man.’ All of us who truly know you, say in unison, “YOU ARE A GOOD MAN!” You are loved and will be dearly missed.

 

Service & Viewing Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1005 N. Voyager Dr., Gilbert, Arizona 85234

Viewing: Friday, May 2nd, 2025 from 6:00PM - 8:00 PM

Service: Saturday, May 03rd, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Zoom Link for Service: https://zoom.us/j/95168485499

Interment: City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201