Paul G. Wheeler, age 81, of Marion passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at his home after a long battle with cancer.
He was born on March 26, 1930, in Magoffin County, Kentucky, to the late Lester “Tank” Wheeler and Lou (Williams) Wheeler.
On December 28, 1967, he married Gerda Bock Jolley who preceded him in death in 2004.
In 1947, he came to Marion on the Sportsman train from Paintsville, Kentucky, with others from the area. On December 11, 1947, he went to work with the former Pollack Steel as an overhead crane operator. He retired March 31, 1995, after 47 years and 3 months of service. During those years the plant changed to Armco where he worked in shipping and in the melt shop for Marion Steel.
Paul is a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He enlisted in October of 1950. He spent 30 months of his three year term of duty in transportation with the 8th Truck Company in Italy.
He loved gardening and watching the birds. He had a passion for bowling and bowled in the senior league at least two times per week year round. He also played pool at the senior center. He pitched horseshoes in a league at Garfield Park during the summer. He participated in many tournaments over the years for bowling and horseshoes. He was class champion for horseshoes several times. He also enjoyed playing poker with his buddies. If you ever needed anything, he was there to help you in any way he could. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Tim) Tewell, Marietta, Georgia; stepson, Kevin Jolley, Marion; stepdaughter Kirsten (Greg) Pitts, North Carolina; two grandchildren, six step-grandchildren. He is also survived by six half-brothers, Robert, Newburgh, New York; Arnold, Marion, Ohio; Lowell, Lenzie, and Larry Wheeler, all of Magoffin County, Kentucky, and Jimmy, Blaine, Kentucky; two half-sisters, Laverne Crace of Wheelersburg, Kentucky and Judy Howard of Oil Springs, Kentucky, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by brother, Henry; half-brothers, Randall and Billy Joe, and stepdaughter, Krista Lewis.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 30, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Boyd-Born Funeral Home with Rev. Donnie Wheeler officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Marion Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Marion County Veterans Council. Friends and family may call on Sunday, January 29, 2012, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 and one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marion Senior Center or Marion Community Action Center.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.boydbornfuneralhome.com.
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