Marvin “Marv” Wayne Wheeler of Lafayette, IN crossed the finish line on Saturday, April 20, 2024, surrounded by his family at Franciscan Health East.

Marv was born on August 20, 1940, to the late Ward and Evelyn Simmons-Wheeler at Home Hospital in Lafayette. He was raised in Clarks Hill and graduated from Lauramie High School in 1958. Growing up and throughout his life, Marv was an athlete and avid sports fan. His record would show his basketball career was so profound that there was a poem written for him after he scored the winning shot from half court.

He loved baseball too. Marv was an amazing pitcher, so good he had an invitation to try-out for the Chicago White Sox, but that opportunity fell short after he met the love of his life, Sharon Kay Burton, and while he was woo-ing her on a date at the Frankfort Fair, he threw his arm out while trying to impress her and win her a prize.

Marv and Sharon were married at Stockwell Methodist Church on August 27, 1961, and started their epic love story that lasted nearly 63 years.

He started his career at Alcoa. While Alcoa was shut down, he had the opportunity to work for Bob Higman Engines – building race cars and working in a pit crew at the Indy 500. After Alcoa, Marv worked at Kmart as the manager of the sporting goods department, letting his love for sports continue. He also worked at The Sportsman for many years, but ultimately retired after owning MVP Sports in Lafayette.

His children, Steve (Ginny) Wheeler of Flora, IN, and Barb (Troy) Bruce of Lafayette, were his pride and joy. Family meant everything to him, and Marv would take every opportunity to brag about them to whoever would listen. Growing up, Steve and Barb remember that Dad was present in every moment, big or small! His appreciation and admiration for his family was obvious, and his love was pure.

Marv’s truest treasures were his 5 grandchildren: Josh (Hayley) Wheeler, Greg (Lance Connolly) Wheeler, Erika (Jerry) Knotts, Mason Bruce, and Karsyn (Logan) Martin, and 7 great-grandchildren: Meredith Wheeler, Ella Wheeler, Haddie Wheeler, Tenley Knotts, Trenton Knotts, Waylon Wheeler and Walter Wheeler. Pa was the best of the best. Whether he was taking you fishing, to the woodshed, showing you how to mow, attending the moments that mattered, or serving up homemade ice cream and home grown strawberries, Pa’s presence was profound. The memories made were endless and will forever be cherished.

Along with his parents, Marv was preceded in death by 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and his great-grandson, Grayson Wheeler.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at Soller Baker Lafayette Chapel. There will be a private burial at Yorktown Cemetery in Stockwell, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Woodhaven Rescue Farm. Envelopes will be available. For online condolences, visit www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com