John Henry Wheeler, 81, of Centralia was called to his heavenly tee time on December 24, 2020.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia, with burial to follow in the Centralia City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 pm Tuesday December 29, 2020 at the funeral home.

To those attending the visitation and service, we ask that you wear a face mask, and maintain social distancing. Be aware that capacity and seating may be limited. We will follow guidelines set forth by Boone County.

John Henry was born February 11, 1939 in Prathersville, MO the son of James Edward and Lucille (Smith) Wheeler.

John Henry served his country in the United States Army.

On August 14, 1965, in Sturgeon, John Henry married Nancy Taft, and she survives.

Along with his wife, Nancy, John Henry is survived by a son, John Edward Wheeler and wife Candy of Centralia, daughters, Gretchen Spires and husband Bryan of Thompson, and Danelle Mathews and husband Daniel of Centralia; grandchildren, Amanda Forshee, Sadie Foster and husband Seth, Hailey Hammons, Mollie Wheeler, Anabelle Fenwick husband Corey, Amelia Lehle and husband Jake, Garrett Spires and wife Stephanie, Tanner Spires, Sarah Spires (Trevor), Callie Timmerberg, Will Mathews, Jack Henry Mathews; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Nada Wheeler Gibson of Centralia, step-brothers, James Sanders and wife Bonnie of Columbia, Buck Ball of Mexico; many brother and sisters-in-laws; numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, John Henry was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Wheeler Smith, and a brother, Billy Don Wheeler.

John Henry worked for more than 50 years at the A.B. Chance Company, in the maintenance department.

John Henry was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Centralia, where he served as a Deacon for more than 30 years. He and Nancy had various roles in the church and especially the children's ministry.

John Henry was a man of great faith, He loved the Lord and would spend his days working as a humble servant of the Lord.

John Henry was a member of the Odd Fellows, and served on the Centralia Fire Department for 19 years, retiring as a captain.

While working at the Chance Company, John Henry served on many committees.

He was a very hard worker, at age 12 he would go to the Country Club and caddy for the golfers, to earn money and collect golf balls. He was also an accomplished barefoot water skier.

John Henry loved to golf, he loved to go bowling, work in the garden and cut firewood.

John Henry was an avid fisherman and hunter, would make custom knives, could fix anything.

John Henry loved his family, and adored his wife Nancy. He was a great man that was always willing to help out.

His children and grandchildren were so very special to him.

Memorial donations are suggested the Centralia Ministerial Alliance and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier Centralia, MO 65240.