Richard Wheeler

On October 30, 2026, we lost Richard Wheeler, who was a cherished husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, colleague, and coach. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his loved ones at the age of 92.

Richard proudly served as a member of the United States Marine Corps, and he was also well-respected as an engineer during his decades of work with Boeing and NASA. However, Richard treasured his wife, their children, and their grandchildren above all else, and they brought him tremendous joy and fulfillment. He protected his family, guided their growth, supported their endeavors, and celebrated their efforts. He inspired many by his unrelenting devotion to his family, and he was admired by countless friends and co-workers. His experienced wisdom, steadfast perseverance, fierce compassion, and unwavering strength encouraged and empowered those he loved.

Richard devoted his life to his wife, his faith, and the care and development of all of his children; he championed their pursuits and fought for their futures. Richard valued understanding, acceptance, and kindness, and he supported these qualities in his children and grandchildren. He knew how to provide support, while still promoting independence at the same time. He recognized what made each of his children and grandchildren unique and built a special relationship with each one of them around that.  While Richard was well known for being generous and thoughtful, some of his most benevolent gifts of time, talent, and treasure were discretely carried out in secret. Richard’s service, selflessness, and sacrifice have made an indelible impact on all of us and are memorialized in the legacy of his flourishing family.  To say that he will be greatly missed would be an understatement, and he will be remembered by his friends and family often, and with much affection.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Harrison Wheeler and Gertrude Edna Whittecar; his wife, Peggy Joyce Wheeler; and his children, Richard “Rick” Arthur Wheeler, Mary Katherine Wheeler, and Vincent John Wheeler. He is survived by: his children, Jennifer Wheeler, Karen Frye, Julia Lienhard, and Stephen Wheeler; his grandchildren, Tate Morrison, Wheeler Morrison, Tripp Morrison, Kennedy Frye, Madison Frye, Samantha (Colton) Rice, Daniel (Lucy) Lienhard, Hannah Lienhard, Joseph (Tristin) Lienhard, Bridget (Tom) Hightower, and Melissa Jarvis; his great-grandchildren, Bodhi Rice, Gwen Lienhard, Wesley Lienard, Navy Jo Lienhard, Blaire Hightower, and Brooke Hightower; and his sister, Nancy Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to:

• Turning Pointe Autism Foundation at 1500 W. Ogden Ave. in Naperville, Illinois 60540, which provides day programming that is focused on community, recreation, engagement, and well-being, for adults who have autism.
• Pivot Services at 14810 Michigan St. in Plainfield, Illinois 60544, which provides training and employment for adults who have special needs.

Services will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church – 124 N. Roosevelt St. in Wichita, Kansas. A Rosary will take place at 10:00 a.m., immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. The Mass will be live streamed through the church’s YouTube page, or by clicking “Watch” below.

Services are in the care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary (East).