Jack DeLair Wheeler

Jack DeLair Wheeler passed away March 6, 2025, at Legacy Estates AL in Lincoln NE.  Jack was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to LaVern Buford Wheeler and Verlinda Emma Alvina (Leudtke) Wheeler on December 13, 1939.

In his youth, he could routinely be found with Harry Andrews, making friends, delivering papers, and being generally preoccupied with cars and girls.  On February 4, 1957, Jack joined the National Guard, where he served until receiving an Honorable Discharge on February 3, 1965 – achieving the rank of Specialist 4 (E-4).  He graduated from the Adult High School of Lincoln, NE in 1958.  In his working life, Jack was a Milkman for Roberts Dairy, before joining Burlington Railroad as a Fireman, then as a Locomotive Engineer.

Jack was an avid Husker Football fan.  One of his favorite memories was taking his son to a practice after Bob Devaney’s second National Championship.  Coach Devaney took time away from practice to be interviewed by Patrick on Jack’s new “cassette recorder.”   The only thing he loved as much as Husker Football, was Elvis.  One of his favorite vacations is one he spent with Ricky Lee at Graceland.  He was regularly seen sporting his TCB lightning bolt necklace.

No matter where he was, he found ways to engage people in ways that grew on them.  He had many kind and loyal friends who made his life both fun and enjoyable, notably Harry Andrews, Larry Bady, Jack Partington, Ricky Lee, Tim and Debbie Freerking, Kevin Hamaker, and many others.  Jack loved dogs and genuine people.  He was unafraid to share his thoughts on many subjects.  He never left you wondering where he sat on the issues at hand.  He was kind, generous, loving, and genuine.

Jack is survived by his sister, Cindy Wheeler (Lincoln), and son Patrick (Diane) Wheeler (Omaha).  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sister Kay Griffrin, and many lovely dogs.

There will be an open house to honor Jack at the Legacy Estates AL (7202 Van Dorn St., Lincoln) Activities Room on Saturday, March 22nd from 1-3 pm.

Memorials may be directed to your favorite humane society or to Tabitha Hospice.

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