Harry Michael Wheeler's Obituary
Harry Michael Wheeler Jr. of Decatur, IL left his earthly home bound for eternity in heave on Thursday, September 5, 2013. Harry was 102 years old, the son of Harry M. and Pearl E. Wheeler. Honoring Harry’s wishes, no visitation or graveside service are planned. However, a Memorial Service to honor his life will be held on Sunday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 269 West Eldorado Street.
Harry was born in Decatur, IL on March 15, 1911, and lived most of his life in Decatur. Harry was a musician from the very beginning. At the age of six, his mother began giving him piano lessons. Harry made trips to Chicago on the Wabash Train to study with a Presbyterian Church organist who was noted for playing hymns. At age 12, Harry began playing the organ at Cleveland Avenue Methodist Church. When he was 17, he played at the Lincoln Square Theater during a musician’s union strike. These were silent movies, and Harry had piles of sheet music from which to select the appropriate music for each scene and then perform it later that day. This job lasted only seven months, but its challenges were just the beginning of Harry’s lifetime pursuit of musical excellence. During a brief period during WWII, Harry worked in the production control division at North American Aviation Company which produced the P-51 Mustang. While in California, Harry met several movie stars including Bette Davis, Laurel and Hardy, and Abbot and Costello. These movie stars and Harry ate at the same restaurant which was located close to his work site. “I had friends in Los Angeles and thought I would like to live in the Los Angeles area, he said, “but I didn’t.” He chose to come back to Decatur, was a piano and organ teacher in his home, and then taught music lessons at Emerson Piano House until it closed. He continued to teach piano lessons from his home.
There are few who can claim that they have served at one job for 55 years, but Harry Wheeler can. He was the church organist for Central United Methodist Church for 55 years, and never missed a Sunday unless he was on vacation. He was dedicated, talented, and faithful to the church in leading worship and accompanying the choir each Sunday. What Harry liked better than music was more of it. Harry owned a Hammond Organ and took it to play at community lectures, Mueller Company Christmas parties, Chap’s Roller Rink, radio station WJBL which now is WSOY and for numerous weddings. He also played at Von Maur where he played from memory. Some of his favorite songs were “I’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Climb Every Mountain,” and “Younger than Spring Time.”
Music was pretty much the love of Harry’s life. His love of dogs was definitely a strong second thought. Mitzie, a mixed breed white fluffy dog, was a loyal companion to Harry for over 14 years.
Harry also loved Perkins Restaurant and was one of the first customers the day Perkins opened on June 25, 1982. He was a regular at Perkins, riding the bus each morning and sitting in the booth the Perkins staff fondly labeled “Harry’s Booth.” Later when he could no longer ride the bus due to physical limitations, a good friend, John Dunn, supplied the transportation. Harry always said that the people at Perkins are like my family. Dunn described Harry as a man extremely knowledgeable of music, fascinating, dedicated, faithful, committed, and generous to so many people in need. His kindness has been felt by many people. Harry said, “Be cheerful—there is so much to live for; so when I feel sorry for myself, I think of the people in wheelchairs and with oxygen tanks. Many people are worse off than I am.” Quoting from an article by Bob Fallstrom at the celebration of Harry’s 100th Birthday, when asked about the secret to longevity, Harry stated, “All good things come to he who waiteth. Be sure you know where to waiteth.” The Song has ended.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents and Brother George.
Harry Michael Wheeler Jr. is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary, share memories, and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com
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