Howard L. Wheeler's Obituary
Howard L. Wheeler was born on Nov. 25, 1942 to Helen Strickland Wheeler (d. 1989) and Leland Edgar Wheeler Sr. (d.1982). He was a native of Southwest Florida and grew up roaming the wilds of Billy’s Creek. It was a Ft. Myers unrecognizable to many of us today, a fact of which he often reminded us. His upbringing developed into a love of hunting in the Everglades and fishing Spring Creek and Matlacha. The man could throw a cast net and fry you some mullet with a side of cheese grits.
Howard was raised into a legacy of construction. He began working with his father and uncle at Wheeler Brothers Construction (est. 1924) at the age of 14. The company evolved to Wheeler & Son and then Howard L. Wheeler Construction. Howard prided himself on creating the absolute best home or building. His greatest professional joy was taking clients ideas and making them reality. During the later stages of his career his interests and talents shifted to historical restoration. He oversaw the restoration of the Edison and Ford Estates on McGregor Blvd. for his eldest son’s company Chris-Tel Construction; this was a project he was extremely proud of. His perfectionism and integrity were never questioned by anyone who ever worked with or for him. Just ask the mason who built an entire wall ¼” out of plumb claiming it couldn’t be done any better. That wall came down and Howard built it back perfectly straight. His educational methods were direct and his expectations were clear. He believed if someone contracted him for a job they should get his absolute best and they always did.
After completion of his time at Ft. Myers High School, on a nondescript evening at Gold Crown Lanes Bowling Alley in East Ft. Myers, Howard met Nancy Doninger. They were married within a year and together for the next 59. They were an inseparable team and the best of friends. Together they built a business, a few houses, a family with their 2 sons and a loving home. If ever there was a model to follow for a marriage it would be difficult to outshine Howard and Nancy. It has been said that if you met Howard for over 10 minutes you knew 2 things: 1. He loved his wife and 2. He was proud of his sons. His love and his loyalty were not passive. If you spoke ill of any of his family you were likely to find yourself physically removed from a car or walked out on at dinner. These have both happened. Howard was driven and dedicated in everything he did. This is exemplified from his accomplishments of becoming an Eagle Scout in Ft. Myers Troop 18 and then as a Sergeant in Battery B 116th Florida National Guard Field Artillery. Howard was committed to God and served as a deacon at Riverside Baptist Church for many years. Howard Wheeler could appear gruff, but there was never a more sensitive and caring man. He was loyal, honest, kind, funny, sensitive and of the greatest integrity. His was a life well lived. If you knew him you were lucky. If he counted you as a friend you knew you had a friend through the best and worst of times. If he loved you, you knew it and were better for it.
Howard passed away on April 11th, 2023. Preceding him were his parents, his sisters Shirley Brown and Lucille Cramer and brothers Eddie and Virgil Wheeler. He is survived by his wife Nancy D. Wheeler, his oldest son Howard L. Wheeler II and wife Connie, his youngest son Jason L. Wheeler and wife Marion along with his three granddaughters Adelaide, Emerson and Wren Wheeler and countless nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at Cypress Lake United Methodist Church (8570 Cypress Lake Dr. Ft. Myers, FL 33919) on May 20th at 10:00am followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers make a donation to your favorite charity or just keep your hard earned money. If attending, bring your memories, a funny or endearing story and a grateful heart for having known this man.
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