John Burton Wheeler, III

John Burton Wheeler, III Born: September 6, 1947 Died: June 9, 2024 John Burton Wheeler, III, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2024. Born on September 6, 1947, in Tulsa, OK at St. John Medical Center, John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. John is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Carrie Wheeler. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Esther Wheeler; son Eric Wheeler and daughter-in-law Jeni Wheeler (Tulsa, OK); sister Beverly Taylor (Tacoma, WA); brother Rex Wheeler (Tulsa, OK); step-sons Stan Shouse and wife Ronda (Broken Arrow, OK), and Andrew Shouse and wife Stacy (The Colony, TX); granddaughter Ashley Groom and husband Joshua (Sapulpa, OK); and great-grandchildren, Mathew and Grace Groom (Sapulpa, OK), who affectionately called him "Poppy." He also leaves behind many other family members and friends whom he loved dearly. John enjoyed the outdoors from a young age, spending his childhood riding bikes, participating in the Boy Scouts of America, and exploring the river. He earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree from Northeastern State University and proudly served in the US Navy for 6 years. Following his military service, John built a successful career at UPS, where he worked for 27 years. His love for animals led him to volunteer at the Tulsa Zoo and Jenks Aquarium. He enjoyed volunteering at the German American Society, cooking pancakes for Oktoberfest. John's pride and joy was his son, Eric. He found true love with Esther, and together they enjoyed spending time traveling and seeing the world. John was a doting grandpa and great-grandpa, often swimming, visiting the zoo, and vacationing with his grandchildren. He was known for his positive outlook on life, always seeing the bright side and treating everyone with love and compassion. John was an active member of his community, dedicating time to his local church by teaching Sunday school, preparing meals for the community, and helping with Vacation Bible School. John's kindness extended to his many friends, including those in his runners group, with whom he shared many joyful moments. In honor of John's love for the beach, friends and family are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts or summer outfits. John's legacy of love, kindness, and positivity will forever be remembered by all who knew him. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going""-John 14:1-4(ESV) Visitation will be 1:00pm to 8:00pm Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Moore Funeral Home, Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Family will receive friends Wednesday, June 12 from 4pm to 6pm. Funeral Services will be 10am Thursday, June 13, 2024 at the Christ Church on Harvard, 3515 South Harvard, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Burial will at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

John Burton Wheeler, III

September 6, 1947 - June 9, 2024