Derek James Wheeler

Derek James Wheeler, age 84, of Concord Township, for the past 10 years formerly of Tallahassee, Fla., died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, at home with his wife by his side. He was born Dec. 22, 1928, in London, England. Mr. Wheeler served in the British Army during World War II. After service in the army, Derek spent two years in Kenya. He worked for the East African government. In Kenya, he worked to control the spread of malaria by altering the native vegetation. He then went back to England. He raced cars to earn money for college. He decided on engineering school. He graduated from the Polytechnic Institute in London with an equivalent master's degree in engineering. He immigrated to Canada, where he gained employment within the White Motor Corporation. His promotion landed him in Cleveland, where he met his wife, Jacqueline. They in time moved to Florida, where Derek formed his own company, Wheeler Insurance Associates. Derek was an avid golfer and photographer. He enjoyed traveling and the outdoors. He belonged to Kiwanis International in Tallahassee, Fla., Capital City Country Club in Tallahassee, Fla., and Quail Hollow Country Club in Concord Township. During Derek's illness, he was cared for by many angels. He was able to live out his life at his home because of his wife, Jacqueline. His niece, Laura, Jude an R.N. and Julie an N.A., from Hospice cared diligently for him. His visiting angels, Jaycee, Betty, Crystal, Jane and Terri (and many more), spent their days and nights by his side. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Jacqueline M. (Crow) Wheeler; sister-in-law, Lois (Russell) Reed of Kirtland Hills; nieces, Laura (Jon) McClain of Chardon and Marlene (Dave) Knopsnider of Rock Creek; nephews, Vaughn Loudermilk of Chardon and Quinlan McClain of Chardon; and Ms. Lili, his Welsh Corgie. Preceding Derek in death are his parents, Thomas and Ethel Wheeler; and brother, Raymond Wheeler. A celebration of Derek's life will be from 11 a.m. until noon Monday February 18, 2013 in the Reception Center on the Brunner Campus, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor. A luncheon will follow. Contributions may be made to the Lake County Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Mentor. Online obituary at www.brunners.com.

Derek James Wheeler

December 22, 1928 - February 14, 2013