Gary was born in Cormons, Italy and attended numerous Department of Defense schools before graduating from Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM. After 20 years in the U.S. Army, he retired settling in the Tacoma area. He then worked for The Boeing Company. Gary is survived by his wife Janelle, son David (Christine) Wheeler, daughter Angela Williams-Purdy (Rich), 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, Charles W. Wheeler of Elk Grove, California, brothers Charles A. Wheeler (Darlene) of Boise, Idaho and Gene Wheeler in Sacramento, California He was preceded in death by his Mother, Orsola Wheeler and sister Mary Mahan.