Devern Wheeler, age 92, of Early died Saturday evening at the Brownwood Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday at the Heartland Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Beckling, Rev. John Clifford, Rev. Lynn Starnes, and Bro. Dennis Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Loving Family Cemetery in May. Visitation will be held from 6 – 8 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.
DeVern was born September 25, 1918 in Brown County in the community of Owens the son of the late Willie and Laura Smoot Wheeler. He attended schools in Owens and Holder. He was married to Doris Eoff at Salt Creek on September 10, 1944 and they celebrated 67 years of marriage together.
Devern was the third generation of long-time county pioneers with roots tracing back to the mid 1870’s. He was a farmer and rancher most of his life and loved being with his cows and working the land. He and his wife also owned and operated D & D trim shop in Early for many years.
He was also a very active member of the former Johnson Memorial Methodist Church and served on the building committee when they moved to form the Early United Methodist Church. He had served as a trustee for many years and on various other committees of the church. He loved being with friends and family and will be greatly missed by many.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Wheeler of Early
His son, George Wheeler and wife Vicki of Early
Three Daughters – Sandra Wylie of May
Emma Williams and husband Dennis of Early
Exa Villa and husband Chris of Houston
11 Grandchildren, Robert Speck and wife Amanda, Jennifer Stephens and husband Blake, Crystal Denman and husband Larry, Crystin Carothers and husband Jack, Andrew Wheeler, Laura Hancock and husband Shawn, John Williams, Justin Williams, John Smith and wife Elena, Christi Huxford and husband Brent, and Chad Smith.
10 Great Grandchildren, Brook Wright, Bree Wilson, Thomas Denman, Hunter Stephens, Payton Carothers, Logan Denman, Owen Speck, Addelyn Hancock, Shooter Huxford, and Levi Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 Brothers, Bill, Alvie, Archie and Clarence
4 Sisters, Viola, Doll, Dorothy and Dovie, and 2 Daughters, Laura Jean and Verna Marie.
