Henry Wheatley

William Henry Wheatley was born August 26, 1919 in Ralston, OK.  He entered into rest on May 25, 2016 at the age of 96.  His parents were Robert "Bob" L. Wheatley, Sr.  and Drusilla Henry.  He graduated from Ralston High School in 1940.  After graduation, he continued to work with his father on the farm north of Pawnee while developing his own farming and ranching operation.  He married Lorene May Hooper on November 14, 1945.  They made their home on the family farm for 58 years.  He continued to live there after her death in 2003 until his health dictated his move to Edmond to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Martha and John Stanfield in 2008. There were many things that brought him joy.  One was working the land. During his lifetime, he saw many changes in the agricultural methods including the transition from horses to modern farm machinery.  He raised wheat, alfalfa, and cattle.  In later years, he worked at the Pawnee High School as a janitor.  He loved his time there working with the faculty and staff and interacting with the students.  He was an avid supporter of the Pawnee Bears football and basketball teams. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Pawnee for over 50 years.  He was the first person to greet many people each Sunday morning.  He always made both members and visitors welcome. He loved and cherished his family.  One of his greatest joys was playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Their hugs and kisses never failed to put a smile on his face.  He loved playing games at family gatherings.  He was a skilled and wicked dominoes player and played with great enthusiasm. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife.  He is survived by his daughter, Martha Stanfield and her husband John of Edmond; son Raymond Wheatley and his wife Sarah of Stillwater; three granddaughters: Krista Johnson and her husband Michael of Edmond; Kara Milligan and her husband Josh of Mansfield, TX and Stephanie Wheatley of Stillwater; and six great-grandchildren: Laura, Abigail, and Rebecca Johnson of Edmond and Caleb, Rachel and Daniel Milligan of Mansfield, TX.  He is also survived by two brothers: Leroy Wheatley of Hutchison, K and Robert "Buddy" L. Wheatley, Jr. of Grizzly Flats, CA and two sisters; Geraldine Mitchell of Longview, TX and Norma Plank of St. Charles, MO. A service to celebrate his life will be Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee, OK.  Burial will be at the Masham Cemetery.   Anyone wishing to make a bequeath in his honor may do so to the American Cancer Society.