Richard Lyle Wheaton

Due to the Covid pandemic, services were delayed. Please join us on July 10, 2021 for a Celebration of Life at Bella Vista Church, 5100 Belding Rd, Rockford with visitation with family at 10 am and service at 11 am. A graveside service will follow in the Memorial Gardens at the church. Also, join us for the luncheon following at the church. Please visit the “Tribute Wall” for pictures and “Share A Memory.” We will be looking at them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Bella Vista Church Harvest Offering, 5100 Belding Road, Rockford MI 49341 and/or Faith Hospice 2100 Raybrook Grand Rapids, MI 49546 as an expression of sympathy.

Richard Lyle Wheaton, Grand Rapids, Michigan aged 86 went to be with Jesus Sunday, November 22, 2020, at 3 a.m. He died peacefully in his home under the care of Faith Hospice and his family for the final 6 months of life. His daughter was his primary caregiver.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby. Also surviving are 2 children; daughter Kimberly (Dan) Diemer; son Lyle Wheaton; six grandchildren: Richard Lyle Wheaton II, Elizabeth Diemer, Zachary Wheaton, Joshua Diemer, Samantha Wheaton, Danielle Diemer, and many nieces and nephews.

He was born July 7, 1934 in Grand Rapids and was a life-long resident of the area. He was the son of Lyle Arthur Wheaton and Jennie Roubos. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

He was a loving father, grandfather and husband to his wife of almost 50 years, just short by two months. He took his role of husband seriously providing for his family. He loved his grandchildren and was proud of each one of them. He left a legacy of a growing faith and a relationship in Jesus.

His hobbies were bowling, fishing, hunting, camping, anything outdoors, visiting lighthouses in Michigan and the east coast. He bowled on a league for over 50 years. He bowled until he was 85 years old.

Dick was a veteran of the Army during peacetime in the 1950’s and remained friends with his Army buddy, Mel Nylaan. His Army training was a driver of the M40 tank.

He worked in landscaping, hardscaping, building and carpentry. Dick was a “Jack-of-all-Trades” and continued to work and help people even when he was over 80 years old. He passed on his carpentry skills to his son, Lyle. He enjoyed many design projects with his daughter, Kim. He could always make an idea work.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Lyle Wheaton, please visit our floral store.