Cloyd Wheeler

Cloyd Wheeler, 92, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2021 in Fort Worth TX with his wife of 72 years by his side. A man of integrity, Cloyd was a loving husband, devoted father, cherished brother, engaged grandfather, supportive uncle, loyal friend, and a faithful child of God.

Cloyd was raised in Robstown, TX where he met the love of his life, Mona Jean Burton. He graduated from Abilene Christian University where he played football on the school’s only undefeated team (1950). He was proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force after graduation from college. After leaving the military service, he returned to Robstown where he ran the family grocery store. Following a 90-day trip around the world, he went into partnership as the Texaco Consignee in Robstown. He later became a successful farmer as well a partner in the Nueces Farm Center, selling large farming equipment. He learned to farm from the old timers down at Crain’s café in Robstown where they taught him well over a cup of coffee each morning. He was an active member of Arlington Heights Church of Christ for many years where he served as a Deacon and taught adult and children’s Bible classes. He moved from Corpus Christi to Fort Worth in the summer of 2017 and was a current member of the Altamesa Church of Christ.

Cloyd’s discovery of the Grand Canyon in 1983 led to 30 years of hiking and sharing the canyon with family and friends. He completed over 27 grueling round trips to the bottom and never ceased to be amazed by God’s handiwork. He took his last trip shortly after turning 80 years old. Cloyd also enjoyed fishing at the Land Cut, and golfing with his best pals David Bruce, Carrol Baylor, and his brother, Les. His other pastimes included woodworking, world traveling, gardening, and art. Not to be outdone by George Bush, he skydived on his 75th birthday.

Cloyd had a song for just about everything and entertained the kids with his very own rendition of “My Bonnie”. Some of his other favorites were “Bill Grogan’s Goat”, “I went to a Swell Hotel”, “The Chiquita Banana song”, and “Tell me a Story” (a great grand favorite). He also had a great sense of humor and could let out a big belly laugh over a good joke… usually the one which he was telling! During the last few years he kept busy with his artwork and left us with many special memories. Like his mother, he always needed to be busy creating something with his hands. We are grateful for the fruit of his handiwork which included porch swings, decorative shelving, wooden chickens & rabbits, wooden spatulas, and many growth charts for the newest members of the family.

Cloyd loved all of God’s creations and he tamed many Jackson Terrace stray cats through the years. He will be especially missed by his orange tabby cat, Goldilocks that followed him to Fort Worth!

Cloyd was preceded in death by his parents, CO and Lottie Wheeler; a brother, Lester Wheeler, and a son, Gary Mitchel Wheeler. Cloyd is survived by his wife, Mona Jean Burton Wheeler; daughters, Cindy Low (Ft. Worth) and Tami Magallon (Pearland). He had a special place in his heart for his sons-in- law, Dean Low and Joe Magallon. He leaves behind beloved sisters, Betty Murphy (Norman) and Ray Ruth Wheeler both of Trinity TX. He was loved by his siblings-in law, June Wheeler, Velma and Kelly Bickham, and Jim Burton. He was beyond proud of his 7 grandchildren, Scott Wheeler (Marija) of Berlin, Germany, Chuck Wheeler (Julie) of Bastrop, Vic Wheeler of Austin, Nathan Low (Sara) of Dallas, Kimberly Platte (Brent) of Springtown, Jeana Magallon of Houston, and Jake Magallon of Pearland. He was thrilled with the addition of 5 great grandchildren, Ezra & Edwin Wheeler, Philip Cloyd Wheeler, Brenton and Wyatt Platte, and Cordelia Low.

Funeral services to be held at the Dallas National Cemetery (2000 Mountain Creek Parkway) on May 28th at 11:30 am.  A Celebration of life will follow at the Altamesa Church of Christ (4600 Altamesa Blvd) in Fort Worth.  Due to Covid please RSVP  to cloydwheeler@gmail.com if you would like to attend so that we can keep everyone  informed . We will plan to show a video of the cemetery services at the church for any that were not able or permitted to attend that morning.

Messages to the family can be emailed to cloydwheeler@gmail.com. He always had a joke to tell and a song to sing and enjoyed every minute of time spent with family and friends. Memorials would be appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association, or a local animal shelter/rescue group.

When asked the question, “Where would you like to go that you have never been before”, he responded without hesitation…. HEAVEN! Happy trails to one of the best, until we meet again.