Larry James Wheeler

Larry was born on November 22, 1938, in McCook, Nebraska, to Melvin James “Jimmy” and Ruth (McKenzie) Wheeler. He spent his childhood traveling with his father for work. He went to high school in Wink, Texas with Roy Orbison and later attended the Indiana Institute of Technology. Larry and his first wife Jeannie had two sons Todd and Tim, after they divorced Larry married Norma Young in Fruita, Colorado, on October 14, 1978. Larry moved to Orleans, Nebraska with his wife Norma where he attended New Wine Fellowship Ministry, before moving back to Grand Junction. Larry lived with his niece and nephew, John and Susan Harrison, before relocating to the Western Slope Memory Care in December of 2023. Larry worked as a pipeline welder and traveled the United States with Norma by his side. Larry enjoyed making custom welded ashtrays, coloring, camping, fishing, boating, collecting diecast cars and rocks. He loved Mustang cars, he owned a few of them and would enter local car show, he even won a few trophies. One of his favorite expressions was “Haste makes Hate”. Larry always had a smile on his face and was kind to everyone.

Larry is survived by his son, Tim Wheeler of Glendale, Arizona; his nephew and niece, John and Susan Harrison; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his great-nephew, Richard Harrison, and his two children. His parents, Melvin J. and Ruth Wheeler; wife, Norma (Young) Wheeler; and his son, Todd Wheeler, preceded him in death.

A funeral service will take place at Martin Mortuary on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 10 a.m., with a graveside service for family to follow at Memorial Gardens, 2970 North Avenue, Grand Junction.

The family requests that donations be made the Abode Hospice or Brightspringhealth.com in lieu of flowers.