Mon, 12/02/2013 - 00:00

WAYNE, Pa. (Dec. 2, 2013) – Longtime Fluid Sealing Association member John Hale Wheeler was born in Dallas on Aug. 11, 1927, to Harley and Elizabeth Hooks Wheeler and passed away on Nov. 27, 2013. He grew up in the Oak Cliff area and graduated from Adamson High School in 1944. He went to Texas Tech University and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. At the end of the war he graduated from SMU with a Bachelors' Degree in mechanical engineering. He worked in his family business, The Texacone Co., for more than 60 years, which was founded by his father, and he later became owner, President and CEO. He was a pioneer in his field of specialty seals and had over 20 patents. He served as President of the Fluid Power Society and board member of the National Association of Elevator Contractors. He was a member of the Widowed Persons Support Group, a long-time member of University Park United Methodist Church and a proud supporter of the Republican Party. His passion was playing golf at Brookhaven CC, he had been a member of the Rose Society, and he had a large butterfly garden. He made many trips abroad, Europe being one of his favorite destinations. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Martha Heermans Wheeler and his two sisters, Margaret Gorman and Rose Barnett. He is survived by his sons, John and Wallace (Holly); daughters, Suzanne Ally (Harry), Gina Valdez (Tony), Wendy Miller (Ryan); 13 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Lamar (John) and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his special friend for the last 8 years, Joan Hukel. Also, very special in his heart were his children Nickie Wiley and Ron Dunning.