Gussie W. Wheeless

Gussie W. Wheeless, 90, of Santa Fe, finished his battle with cancer and stepped out of time into eternal glory on Thursday, October 4, 2012. He died peacefully and was surrounded by all of his children and a large number of his family. Gussie was born December 1921 in Cleburne Texas to John and Leona Wheeless. After his fathers passing when Gussie was 3 he spent his upbringing with the many loving Kids in the Odd Fellows home for Orphans and Widows in Corsicana, TX. Gussie served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Bombardier and Ordinance Man on a PB2Y seaplane during WWII. He married the love of his life, Evelyn (Burt) Wheeless in 1947. Evelyn and Gussie are now reunited for eternity. He was employed for many years in Los Alamos and retired from the Zia Corporation. Gussie was a wonderful father and lived for his family. He was a man who enjoyed life and lived to the fullest. He was a man of enormous life experience and shared a wealth of wisdom about life and love with everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Gussie is survived by his son John Wheeless and wife Celia, their children John and Jeniffer; his daughter Mary Wiedner and husband Roy, their daughters Dawn and Nicole; his son Jim Wheeless and wife Maxine and their children Angela, Corrie Sue, Adam, and Natalie; his youngest daughter Kelly Martinez, her husband Louis and their children Joe, Adrian and Alyssa; his 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Jeanine (Dunson) Schmitt. A rosary was recited on October 15, 2012. Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on October 16, 2012. Both services were held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Santa Fe. Interment followed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Gussie's family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the wonderful people of Meals on Wheels who more than meals provided loving visits that meant so much. Also we wish to thank the nurses of Home Health Care and Hospice for their compassionate care of our dear sweet Gussie. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Pallbearers: Joe Martinez, Adrian Martinez, Adam Wheeless, Roy Weidner, Vincent Lopez and John Michael Lopez. Honorary Pallbearers: John Wheeless Jr., Mike McKinney Brock McKinney and Bob Lopez.