Don Wheat, age 73, of Elberta, AL passed away September 21st, 2023. He was a proud veteran who was an active and much-loved member of the American Legion Post 99 of Foley, AL. He was born on October 12th, 1949, to parents Lowell and Nancy Ledbetter Wheat in Twin Bridges Missouri.
Don went to school at and graduated from Willow Springs High School in 1967. After high school, he joined the military proudly serving as a member of the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973. Don is a veteran of the Vietnam war who was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1973. He then attended college at Missouri State University and Tennessee Tech.
Growing up Don spent much of his time hunting, fishing and being outside. He loved to go canoeing and swimming in the area rivers and cold watering holes. Later, he found that he enjoyed playing cards and golf with his friends, but most of all he wanted to spend his time with family. While at times he tried to deny it, he was known for his mastery of grilled hamburgers, meatloaf, and lasagna.
In 1993 he married the love of his life Judi Wheat at their home in Pomona, Missouri. They spent the next 20 years working in their gardens and building a life together. In 2012, Don and Judi retired to Elberta, Alabama where Don spent his days in his shop creating masterful woodworking pieces and where they found a family with the American Legion Post 99. In his last days he was surrounded by family and friends who loved him, and cherished the love he gave them. While sometimes considered a quiet man, when he spoke, people listened. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Preceded in Death by his parents Nancy and Lowell Wheat, his younger brother Dallas Wheat, one sister in law and one niece.
He is survived by his wife Judi Wheat, (Elberta, AL,) two sons Don Eddie Wheat (Willow Springs, MO,) Randy Patterson (Dawsonville, GA) and daughter Shelley Patterson,(Orange Beach AL). Four siblings, Bonnie Sanders, (West Plains, MO,) Lowena Turner and husband Dwaine, (West Plains, MO,) Joe Wheat, (Willow Springs, MO), Dennis Wheat and wife Carol (Carlsbad, NM) and one sister in law, Patti Wheat (Osage Beach, MO.) Five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Per his wishes, no formal services will be held.
