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Alfred Wheeler of Durant, Oklahoma, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and neighbor, passed into eternity on the Lord's Day, Sunday June 28, 2026 at the age of 95. He was born in Checotah, Oklahoma to Lloyd and Bertha (Collins) Wheeler on December 17, 1930.
After high school, Alfred joined the military, serving honorably in the United States Air Force. He met his lifelong sweetheart Margie Lyles, and they were married on September 24, 1954 in Durant. They were blessed with two children and 63 years of marriage, until Margie's passing in 2018.
Alfred's patient nature made him very effective in his life's work as an educator. After marrying Margie, he attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree. He went on to further his education at Eastern New Mexico University, earning a Master's Degree while also teaching at Hobbs High School. After Alfred and Margie returned to Bryan County, he became the Auto Mechanics instructor at Durant High School, and taught there for many years. As a respected teacher and mentor to countless students, he was able to pass many life skills and positive character traits on to the next generations, instilling work ethic and integrity along with their education.
The outdoors suited Alfred well, and he spent much time enjoying fishing and hunting. Good with his hands, he was also a talented wood-worker.
A long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Durant, Alfred's deep faith and dedication to the Lord was evident to everyone around him. He was also a member of the Gideons International, whose specific mission is evangelism and helping to spread the message of Jesus.
Alfred is survived by his daughter Janice Brock and her husband Bill of Waco, Texas; and his son Al Wheeler and his wife Tricia of Greenville, Texas. His legacy will also be carried on in his grandchildren: Danika Morefield and husband Mark of Waco, Texas; Whitney Uptmore of Waco, Texas; Ashley McAdoo and husband Spencer of Melissa, Texas; Aaron Wheeler of Melissa, Texas; Ashleigh James and husband Chris of Greenville, Texas; Alexa Cunningham and husband Chad of Tyler, Texas; and Madison LeBeau of Greenville, Texas.
Alfred was also the proud great-grandfather of Camden Brock, Harrison Morefield, Ryan Morefield, Karson Uptmore, Rowan James, Olivia McAdoo, Maverick McAdoo, Lennon James, Crew Cunningham, and Navy McAdoo. Alfred is also survived by his brother Allen Wheeler and wife Betty of Durant, his church family, and a lifetime of good friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margie; his parents, Lloyd and Bertha Wheeler; and his siblings.
The Wheeler Family will receive friends for visitation on Friday morning, July 3, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Durant First Baptist Church sanctuary, and a funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a message of comfort brought by Pastor Garry McNeill. Following the service, Alfred will be laid to rest in Highland Cemetery in Durant, Oklahoma. Those serving as pallbearers are Harrison Morefield, Ryan Morefield, Camden Brock, Spencer McAdoo, Mark Morefield, Chris James, and Karson Uptmore.
Memorial donations can be made in Alfred's honor to Under His Wings Ministry, 717 N. 49th Street, Durant, OK, 74701, or to the Adult 3 Bible Class in care of First Baptist Church, attn: Phyllis Elrod, 124 W. Evergreen, Durant, OK, 74701.