John William Wheeler, 72, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away Sunday May 10, 2015, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. John was born September 1, 1942, in Houston, Texas, the son of Lonnie Howard Wheeler Sr. and Opal Irene Link Wheeler. Shortly after John's birth, the family moved to Tahoka, Texas, where he and his brother, Lonnie, were raised. After graduation from Tahoka High School in 1960, he joined the Army Reserves serving at Ft. Knox Kentucky for two years. After serving in the reserves, he followed his father to Idaho seeking work. In Idaho, he met and soon married, Collene Welker on December 18, 1964. John worked at various farming jobs until becoming a carpenter. Two daughters joined their family, Jody Lynn and Shauna Leigh. John and Collene divorced in 1983. After living and working in Twin Falls for 18 years, John went to work for a contractor at the Idaho National Lab where he stayed until his retirement in 1993. While in Dubois, Idaho, he met Jean Hoggan. They shared a love of cat fishing, hunting and being outdoors. They were constant companions and married April 18, 1994. Following Jean's retirement they began spending the winters in the Southwest and eventually acquired a second home in Bandera, Texas. In the summers they split their time between Idaho Falls and C.J. Strike Reservoir. During his carpentry career, John was a proud member of the Carpenters Union. His greatest joy was spending time with Jean and the many friends they made as well as their families. John was a loving man with a heart as big as Texas. He was hard working, loved by his family and friends. John is survived by his wife, Jean Wheeler and their dog, Bodie, of Idaho Falls; daughters: Jody (John) Finnegan of Pocatello, Idaho; Shauna (Edward) Medeiros of Twin Falls; a step-son, Matt Hoggan of Dubois; a brother, Lonnie H. Wheeler Jr. of Lubbock, Texas; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, 2 granddaughters, Ginger and Katie Berrett; a step-daughter, Christie (husband, Bill, deceased) Berrett. A Memorial service will be held from 2-4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to a favorite charity. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com