Robert L. Wheatley

Robert Leon Wheatley, age 82, of Highland, IL., died Friday, July 27, 2007, at his residence in Highland, IL. He was born September 18, 1924, in Stickney, WV., the son of Leon and Minnie (Wynn) Wheatley. On June 3, 1949, he married Shirley M. Wheatley, nee Weber, who survives. He grew up in the Cahokia/Dupo, IL area. Mr. Wheatley joined the Navy the day after Pearl Harbor. He served as a First Class Torpedosman in the Navy for 4 years in the Pacific (Alaska, Phillipines & Australia). He also served in the Naval Air Reserve. He played Minor League Baseball for Pampa, Texas. He was a graduate of Washington University Engineering School. He worked as an Engineer for General Electric in Schenectady, NY. Then worked for Phillips Petroleum Co. in St. Louis as the head of the Motor Fuel Dept. He was a Partner in Tennessee Liquified Petroleum in Memphis, TN and served as V.P. General Manager. In 1961 they moved to Highland and bought Schott\'s Skellgas, and changed the name to Wheat\'s LP Gas Services, Inc. He retired in 1993. In his retirement he was a full-time husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed playing golf. Mr. Wheatley was a world traveler, having been to Russia, Western Europe, Egypt, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Dubai U.A.E. and Israel. He also took courses at Missouri Botanical Gardens and University of Illinois Extension classes. He will be greatly missed by so many who love and respect him. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church-Highland, IL. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce (President 1963); 1973-74 President of Illinois LP Gas Assoc.; Lifetime Director fo National LP Gas Assoc.; Meals on Wheels; Scuba Club; VFW Post 5694; Member of Optimist from 1961-80; Highland Country Club; Tree Commission; Member of Pres. Eisenhower\'s People to People Program (traveling to Russia & Germany). Survivors include Wife-Shirley M. Wheatley, nee Weber of Highland, Ill., Daughter-Susan J. (Dennis) Shoemaker of Effingham, Ill., Daughter-Christy A. (Keith) Haberer of Highland, Ill., Son-Jerry L. (Stephanie) Wheatley of Richmond, Texas, Daughter-Robin K. (Frank) Padak of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Robert T. Koelz, Grandchild-Shelly J. (Gary) Marti, Grandchild-Brody R. Wheatley, Grandchild-Grant H. Wheatley, Grandchild-Erica C. Wheatley, Grandchild-Shandela A. (William) Anderson, Grandchild-Joe S. (Tricia) Stock, Grandchild-Benjamin J. (Bree-Ann) Haberer, Grandchild-Jennifer L. Haberer, Grandchild-Taylor N. Padak, Grandchild-Danielle E. Padak, Grandchild-Avery J. Padak, Grandchild-Alexa M. Padak and 9 Great Grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by Father-Leon Wheatley, Mother-Minnie Wheatley, nee Wynn, Sister-Rebecca Larkin Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Robert L. Wheatley

September 18, 1924 - July 27, 2007