Murray Wheeler

Murray D. Wheeler, 74, of West York, IL, peacefully entered his heavenly home on November 13, 2024.

Murray was born on May 8, 1950, at Edgar County Hospital to Evelyn J. (Lindley) Wheeler and John R. Wheeler. He spent his life in the rural West York area. A 1968 graduate of Hutsonville High School, Murray received his draft notice from Uncle Sam in August 1969. He proudly served in the Army from August 6, 1969, to March 9, 1971. During his service in Vietnam, he was assigned to a gun truck crew, where he spent a 14-month tour as the leader of the gun truck "Uncle Meat."

After returning from the war, Murray worked alongside his father on the family farm. He later joined the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), where he worked until his retirement on February 28, 2002.

On September 3, 1976, Murray married his next-door neighbor's daughter, Joene Cannady. Their union was blessed with a son, Zackary Wheeler.

Following his retirement from the State of Illinois, Murray continued to dedicate his time to the family farm. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of West Union, Illinois, and had known his Lord and Savior since the age of six.

Murray was preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn Wheeler. He is survived by his loving wife, Joene; his son & daughter-in-law, Zack & Cara Wheeler; his sister & brother-in-law, Barbara & Richard McCrory; his grandchildren, Blake Girdner, Karissa, & Josh Decker; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Murray's family remembers him for his sense of humor and his favorite sayings, "Never had that happen before," and "If anything can, it will go wrong."

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18th at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19th, at the funeral home, with Pastor Art Ordnorff officiating the service. Burial will be held in the Bailiff Cemetery. His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the "Bailiff Cemetery" Fund in Murray's memory or to the "West Union First Baptist Church" with envelopes available at the funeral home.