Obituary of Douglas Eugene Wheeler

Douglas Eugene Wheeler was born on July 29, 1959 in Hammond, Indiana and passed away on February 3, 2019 in Palm Harbor, Florida. Doug graduated from Hammond Technical High School in 1977. While in high school he was a competitive swimmer, wrestler, and was active in The Order of DeMolay in Hammond, having served as Master Councilor. Shortly after graduation Doug joined the Air Force. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, Doug joined the Hammond Fire Department where he served for 30 years and was promoted to Captain. Upon his retirement from the HFD, Doug relocated to Florida and eventually settled in Palm Harbor, Florida where he enjoyed endless summer days while fishing or playing guitar on his pier. Doug was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Doug was a generous and selfless man, always willing to lend a hand to anybody in need. Doug was loved by many, but never so more than by his family. His laugh was contagious, as was his smile. He was the greatest husband, dad, son, and brother. He was a monumental nephew, uncle, and cousin. Our lives are and will be forever changed and he will be missed by all. Preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Minnie Harris, Claude and Leatha Wheeler, his father, William Wheeler, his brother, William “Bill” Wheeler, and recently his uncle, Danny Harris. Survived by his wife, Debbie Wheeler, son, Jereme Wheeler of New Port Richie, Florida, his mother, Phyllis DeFord of Griffith, Indiana, his sisters, Robin Wheeler of Griffith, Indiana, Michelle (Mike) Boerner of Fredericksburg, Texas, Rhonda (Dan) Faretta of Phoenix, Arizona, aunts and uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Per Doug’s wishes, he will be cremated and a private family memorial will be held at a later date.