Lewis "Everett" Wheeler

Lewis “Everett” Wheeler, 87, of Bald Knob, passed from this life to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 at his home. He was born October 9th, 1935 to the late Ernest Everett Wheeler and Mary Magdalene (Newell) Wheeler in Bald Knob, Arkansas. Everett grew up in Bald Knob, where he began work at an early age, helping his father sustain their small family farm. Everett was a self-made man. He grew up in an era when the opportunity to receive a formal education was not easily available. At the age of 24, Everett began his career at Arkansas General Industries (G.I.) in Bald Knob and after 42 years, he retired as the plant manager. He was known for his generous spirit and impeccable work ethic. He was well respected by his colleagues and was a great friend to all. During his retirement years, he enjoyed being in nature, hunting and fishing, spending time with his family, tending to his garden, being a “Proud Papaw”, and the challenge of a DIY project. He was the “King of Invention” - always putting what he had to great use! Everett was a man of unwavering faith, great integrity, uncommon kindness, and humbleness. His love for Jesus shined through him. If you knew him, he was sure to tell you to “Keep Jesus in your heart!” He lived a servant’s life and truly modeled a servant’s heart. For some, he was the closest example of Christ’s unconditional love for us all. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann Wheeler, of 34 years, his daughters, Rita Diane Strickland (Jed), Mickie Thomas, his son, Keith Staggs (Kelley), many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister, Ernestine Pascarella, his niece, Mary Lou Smith, and his sister-in-law, Martha Steed, and a host of family and friends, who all were very special to him. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, his daughter, Janet Park, and two grandsons, Barry R. Strickland, and Aaron L. Wheeler, two sisters, Pauline and Luella, and a very dear friend, Michael “Big Mike” Wammack. A Celebration of Life will be held at Honey Hill Cemetery in Searcy, Arkansas on Friday, February 24th at 10:00am. Everett’s entire family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for their outstanding care, special friends Carl Medley and Ralph Byram, and numerous friends and family for their love, prayers, and support during his final days. We love you and are forever grateful for you. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob – Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Lewis "Everett" Wheeler

October 9, 1935 - February 21, 2023