Lowell Gene Wheelis

Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Lowell Gene Wheelis, son of the late William Ewin Wheelis and Rosie Melvina Arnold Wheelis, was born September 11, 1936 in Guion, Arkansas.  He departed this life July 11, 2021 in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 84 years and 10 months.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958 and served four years, including two years in France.  He was united in marriage to Janice Marie Caraway on March 10, 1964 and together they raised two sons. Lowell retired in 1999 after serving over 30 years with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft / Boeing in Melbourne. After retirement he enjoyed playing golf, hunting, and working on his farm. He was a loving husband and father, and a proud grandfather. One of his greatest pleasures was attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities.  He was competitive, tough, kind, and humble, but probably best known for his laughter and quick wit.  He was a long-time member of Melbourne First Baptist Church.

Lowell is survived by two sons:  Joel Wheelis and wife, Traci, of Little Rock and Brad Wheelis and wife, Tina, of Melbourne; one brother:  Bob Wheelis and wife, Mary, of Jonesboro; four grandchildren:  Haley Wheelis, Lillian Wheelis, Reagan Wheelis, and Thomas Wheelis, and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Bonnie Hutchinson, and his wife, Janice Wheelis.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Funeral service will be Wednesday, July 14 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Melbourne First Baptist Church with Rick Burke officiating.  Burial will be at Finley Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  John David Miller, Tory Bishop, Wes Brown, Stacey Wright, Robert Wright, and Floyd Haley.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Harlin Hames, Arlen Marsyla, Mike Cone, Kenny Morrison, and Wayne Gillihan.

Memorials may be made to:  Melbourne First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 554, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556.