John Preston Wheelis, 80, of Hallettsville, passed away Dec. 12, 2019. He was born on July 14, 1939, to Lee & Helen Garrett Wheelis in Longview, Texas.

John attended East Mountain High School where he played football, baseball, and basketball. He left college after two years and joined the Air Force. He was a member of the 6555th Aerospace Test Wing and was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida and served one year in Tainan, Taiwan. After his tour, he went to work for AMOCO Oil Co. in Texas City, first as an operator, then as an instrument/electrician, and finally as a computer specialist.

John married Jean Jansky in 1969 in Galveston, TX. The couple has two children, Laura and Johnny. In 1995, John retired and worked as a contractor until Jean retired in 1999. They moved to Hallettsville where they found peace and quiet in the country. He enjoyed woodworking, photography, travel, and being a grandpa. He was a member of Shiner Lutheran Church, Lavaca County Retired School Personnel, and the American Legion.

John is survived by; his wife Jean, son Johnny Wheelis of Hallettsville, daughter Laura Johnson & husband Vince of Nixa, MO, 2 grandchildren Madison & Morgan Johnson, and 2 nieces Linda & Kelly.

John was preceded in death by; his parents, brother Douglas Wheelis, sister Virginia Smith, and nephew Larry.

Funeral Service: 10 am, Wednesday Dec. 18, 2019, at Shiner Lutheran Church (414 East 12 ^th Street); with visitation starting at 9 am, Wednesday. Pallbearers: Johnny Wheelis, Vince Johnson, Dana Edge, Darrell Edge, Eldon Edge and Duwayne Edge. Officiant: Pastor Chris Heinold. Memorials: Shiner Lutheran Church Building Fund or Donor's Choice. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery (1 pm, Wednesday).