Wheat, Ron

Ron Wheat

Service: Have been held.

Ron Wheat, 64, of Portales died Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at his home.

Born July 15, 1939, in Alva, Okla., to Freda and Blaine Wheat, he joined the National Guard, then the Army, and later the U.S. Marine Corps, for whom he was bulldogger on the rodeo team.

Discharged in 1964, he worked at various jobs. About 1971, he lost his foot and part of a leg while working at a grain elevator, and later the entire leg was removed.

For several years he sold cleaning supplies for Handi-Kleen. In 1980, he moved to Portales, did odd jobs for local farmers, and worked as a Novus Windshield technician. He was unable to work after 1984.

He married Anna Thomas on June 16, 1990, in Portales.

A family member said he was an avid fisherman, and when his health faltered, he returned to a lifetime passion for pool, teaching others to play and competing in tournaments, including two national tournaments for wheelchair players.

He was a member of the Alva First Baptist Church, the American Legion, the VFW and the DAV, the Alva Moose Lodge, and the Clovis Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Anna; two daughters, Debra (and husband Chris) Blundell and Dawn Wheat, all of Wichita; three grandchildren, Jared, Shayla and Trevor Blundell; mother, Freda Wheat of Alva; a brother, Jack (and LeAnn) Wheat of Enid; and a sister, Delores (and Leon) Williams of Houston.

Memorials may be sent to the University Baptist Church Building Fund in Portales or to the New Mexico Boys Ranch.

The Rev. J.R. “Dick” Ross and Darla Fields will officiate.

Burial be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Hardtner (Kan.) Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are family and friends.