Richard Glenn Wheeler, age 94, of Trufant, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The son of Glenn C. & Gladys Emma (Smith) Wheeler, he was born on April 28, 1931 in Coral, Michigan, was a 1949 graduate of Lakeview High School, and earned his associate’s degree from the former Grand Rapids Junior College.

On January 21, 1950, in the living room of the Coral Justice of the Peace (who happened to be Richard's grandfather), he married the love of his life, Ethelyn Bernice "Bea" Sutherland. For over 30 years, Richard & Bea they made their home in Grand Rapids where they raised five children and Bea worked as a chairside dental assistant and secretary for Dr. Robert Barber, D.D.S., while Richard served as a Captain on the Grand Rapids Fire Department, retiring after 32 years of service.

In retirement they built and made their home in Trufant and were members of the Cowden Lake Christian Church, the Order of the Eastern Star Trufant Chapter No. 383, and the Trufant Area Chamber of Commerce. Richard was a lifetime member of the Trufant Masonic Lodge No. 456 F&AM, having served as Master of the Lodge, as well as lodge secretary for many, many years. He was also a dual member of Greenville Masonic Lodge No. 96 F&AM, where Richard also served as lodge secretary for several years, was a member of the Scottish Rite-Valley of Grand Rapids, the York Rite Consistory, and the International Association of Firefighters Local No. 366 in Grand Rapids.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Ethelyn Bernice "Bea" Wheeler on January 27, 2015; his daughter, Valerie Wheeler-Smith on March 24, 2023; his son, Donald Wheeler on June 28, 2025; and his only brother, David L. Wheeler on November 20, 2008.

Surviving are his children, Jim & Nanette Wheeler of Grand Rapids, Brad & Linda Wheeler of Rockford, and Ron & Sandra Wheeler of Trufant; son-in-law, Richard Smith of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Virginia “Ginny” Wheeler of Grandville; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Cowden Lake Christian Church, 4510 Gravel Ridge Road, Coral, where memorial services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Masonic rites will conclude the ceremonies and a luncheon will follow in the church hall. Burial will take place privately at Coral Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, Richard would have appreciated contributions in his memory to the Cowden Lake Christian Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Richard’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638