Kenneth LeRoy Wheeler, of Plymouth, Michigan, died August 16, 2011, at his home.

Born February 11, 1920, in Sciota, Illinois, he as a son of the late Lawrence Oliver and Una May VanOrder Wheeler.

Ken received a BSEE Degree from Detroit Institute of Technology and a Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University. He taught Engineering classes at Detroit Institute of Technology and Wayne State University. He worked with the Goodfellows, was Volunteer of the Year in Plymouth, Michigan, and was an active member of the 41st Infantry Division Association, holding various officer positions.

He was creative and industrious. He built his own Amateur Radio station as a boy and was an Amateur Radio Operator (W8SRX) for many years, making friends around the world. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed primarily in the South Pacific including Australia.

Ken did top secret work for the U.S. Government at Burroughs Corp. (now Unisys), worked at Chrysler on the Missile that carried the first U.S. man into space. His other work included the Jupiter C and Mercury Projects, and the Redstone rocket.

In addition to his parents Ken was preceded in death by a brother, Harry Wheeler, and his wife, Doris; and a sister Lora Ann Wever, and her husband, Hessel.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Agnes; three daughters, Diane Schou, and husband, Bertel, of Green Bank, Janice Schrock, and husband, Geoffrey, of Plainfield, Illinois, LeAnna Christenson, and Bruce, of Canton, Michigan; two sons, Victor Wheeler, of Plymouth, Michigan, and James Wheeler, and wife, Katherine, of Sterling Heights, Michigan; 11 grandchildren; and sister Mildred Woodring, and husband, Arnold, of Fremont, Michigan.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 19, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, in Plymouth.

Funeral service will be Saturday, August 20, 2 p.m. at the Plymouth First United Methodist Church, 45201 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, MI 48170.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Boy Scouts of America, Sunset District, Great Lakes Council, 1776 W Warren Ave, Detroit, MI, 48208

Share memories at: www.schrader-howell.com

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