Vernon Judge Wheeler was born July 14,1954 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Verna Mae Anderson and Marion Wheeler. He was a lifelong resident of Dayton, growing up in Crown Point and graduating from Roth High School in 1973.  Vernon cherished his memories of growing up in Crown Point often retelling the stories of his youth.

Vernon played and loved baseball. He excelled in the sport and earned an athletic scholarship to college.  He attended Sinclair Community College and Wright State University playing baseball and earning a degree in marketing.  He was employed at Transworld Airlines (TWA) for many years and worked in the financial investment industry until his retirement. He liked to keep busy and worked briefly at Energizer Global Auto Care during retirement.

Vernon committed his life to the Lord receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in 1975 at Little Rock Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Eugene Brown.  As an adult Vernon attended Mount Zion Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Willis S. Allums and was actively involved in Young People’s Willing Workers (YPWW).  Vernon was called to the ministry in 1977. He faithfully studied his bible, was well versed in scripture, preaching and teaching God’s Word. He loved the Lord; faithfully taking his young family to shut-ins, revivals and tent meetings all over the city.

Vernon loved his family and had a love for life. He was a jokester and was known for telling jokes and pulling pranks.  He enjoyed landscaping, music, cars, cooking, spending time with his family, bringing home gifts and planning family outings. He was known for planning spontaneous trips to Kings Island, sports events and the drive in. He enjoyed listening to gospel quartets. He was meticulous about his yard. He was also a lifelong Cincinnati Bengals and Red’s fan.

Vernon was a supportive father encouraging his daughters to excel in academics, sports and to dream big. He coached their sports teams, chaperoned trips and was a faithful cheerleader of all their accomplishments.  He leaves to cherish his legacy of love daughters Christa Wheeler, Chanel (Jason) Little, Jaelee Jones and Jasmene Jones.  Grandchildren Christian, Terry, Jason Jr., Camden and Marshall.

Vernon had a big heart. He adored his family and friends.  He was known to many simply as “Judge”.  He was a good friend to new friends, old friends and strangers alike.  Vernon would help when and where he could.  He would lend a helping hand to a family member, friend, coworker, and stranger whenever needed.  He leaves to cherish his memory sister Georgianna Buford, lifelong support Cheryl Wheeler, goddaughter Alicia (Monty) Murphy, and friend James Ridley. Nieces Claudenia Buford, Tonja (Victor) Buford-Bailey, LaDonna Gates and Tiarra Stallworth. Nephews Antonio Gates, Dennis Buford, Derrick (Valicia) Buford and a host of great nieces, nephews and family friends.

On Monday June 20, 2022, after a brief illness, Vernon Judge Wheeler took his last breath surrounded by his family. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, devoted companion Jennifer Jones, brother Clyde Gates, sister-in-law Clarissa Gates, niece Crystal Buford and niece Tomica Buford. Vernon Judge Wheeler will be deeply missed but we stand firm on the word of God. John 11:25 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live”.  His legacy of love, kindness and tenacity lives on.

Professional services provided by W.E. Lusain Funeral Home and Crematory.