He was born on August 29, 1949 in Henryetta ,Oklahoma to James (Jimmy) and Ona Lee Dickens Wheeler. He was their first child.He grew up as a country boy helping with the cattle, riding horses, hauling hay, fixing fences, and driving the tractor. He loved to play basketball and was quite good at it. Daddy bought him a red 1966 Mustang, so he was a popular guy that everybody loved.  He graduated from Eufaula High School in 1967. He earned his Bachlelor of Science degree from Northeastern State University in 1971.He then became the teaching principal at Ryal Elementary in McIntosh County.for five years. He taught one year at Briggs Elementary near Tahlequah. For the next 10 years he was the Tahlequah Junior High Girls Basketball and Track Coach.Then he was principal at Peggs School. He was a menber of OEA and NEA. He loved coaching his girls and they loved him. He was a great fun spirited big bother. 
     He married Susan Kealiher on September 18,1971 in Checotah,OK. They were blessed with two sons, John Stephen and Mathew Todd. They were only 5  and 10  when he died. I know for sure he loved them so much and wishes he could of stayed.