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LeRoy Franklin Wheatley, 91, of rural Adair, passed away Wednesday September 8, 2021, at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center, where he became friends with many of the nurses.
LeRoy was born on March 14, 1930, in Anita, Iowa, to Otto and Emma (Kaufmann) Wheatley. He attended Fontanelle High School graduating with the class of 1948. On January 8, 1951, LeRoy enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in England. While in England he married Marjorie Mae Baudler on July 25, 1953. He was honorably discharged on January 7, 1955, where he received a “Good Conduct” medal and a “National Defense Service” medal.
Upon returning to the states, LeRoy and Marjorie lived in Cass County, then Adair County, where they farmed south of Adair. To this marriage, five children were born: Sharon, Jane, Randy, Ron and Rick. On November 14, 1964, Marjorie passed away of cancer.
On July 30, 1966, LeRoy remarried Shirley Marie Landon in Anita, Iowa. LeRoy and Shirley bought the Keith Bell farm south of Adair in 1968, where they continued to farm. To this marriage, four children were born: Leslie, Reggie, Carmen and Ryan. In the fall of 1993, LeRoy and Shirley hosted a foreign exchange student, Jamin Austman-Stuke, from Germany.
Throughout LeRoy’s years of farming, he raised livestock and grew row crops, but most of all he enjoyed the harvest season where he ran the combine. LeRoy also enjoyed taking drives through the country, driving around Lake Anita, and wouldn’t pass up good food at any family gatherings. You could also catch LeRoy attending various sports activities of his children and grandchildren.
LeRoy is survived by his wife, Shirley Wheatley of Adair; his eight children: Jane (Arlynn) Vorrath of Adair, Randy (Rhonda) Wheatley of Adair, Ron (Marlene) Wheatley of Adair, Rick (Roxy) Wheatley of Adair, IA, Leslie (Tim) Gehling of Runnells, Reggie (Ruthi) Wheatley of Adair, Carmen (Casey) Carlentine of Azle, TX, Ryan (Julie) Wheatley of Adair; 29 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; three sisters: Maxine, Myrna and Mardell; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Emma Wheatley; his first wife, Marjorie Wheatley; daughter Sharon Turner; and his sister Mary Lou Belcher.