William Erven Wheeler, 88, of Sweet Home died Friday. He was born on June 26, 1918 in Leona, Oregon, the son of James and Alice (Haight) Wheeler.

Bill lived all his life in Oregon. He was inducted into the United States Army June 9, 1941. He served in New Guinea Philippines and Army of Occupation in Japan. His discharge was on December 23, 1945 as a ASA T/SGT. He came to Sweet Home and started Wheeler Machine Shop with his father in 1947. He married Pearl-Marie on August 31, 1955 in Sweet Home. Bill eventually retired in 1980.

Bill was a charter member of the BPOE 1972. He was past Exalted Ruler 1975-1976. He was a past member of the Masons and Eastern Star, and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3437 and MOC 20.

Bill enjoyed working with iron, especially ornamental. The last few years he made wind chimes, mostly to give away. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing on the coast, and RV’ing and travel.

Bill is survived by his wife, Pearl-Marie Wheeler; four daughters, Rose-Marie Allyn and husband Jim of Sweet Home, Hallie Jo Dimick of Mesa, AZ, Nikki Richards and husband John of Mesa, AZ, Kathleen Christensen and husband Dusty of Baker City, OR; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren;and numerous nieces and nephews. One brother, Hillery Wheeler, and one sister, Velma Wilkins, preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Eye Clinic or to a charity of choice. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Internment and military honors will be at Gilliland Cemetery following services.