Andy Paul Wheeler Obituary (1926

The sun rose in Blaine, KY on January 18, 1926, when Andy Paul Wheeler was born to Enoch and Ester Ramey Wheeler. Andy graduated from high school in 1944, just 2 days before receiving the call to serve his country in World War II. After Navy training, he boarded the LST-800 and headed for Mobile, Alabama. There, his ship was loaded with ammunition and supplies before heading for Japan by way of California, Hawaii, and the Philippines.Andy served at Okinawa and Iwo Jima aboard the LST 800, and continued to support the armed forces following the war as a member of the LST Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans and The American Legion. After his naval service, Andy attended Morehead State University where he earned Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. He served as principal at Lowmansville, KY and taught at Blaine High School, Louisa High School, and Lawrence County High School, before retiring in 1984 after 34 years of teaching. In 1944 while serving in the Navy on the Pacific Ocean, Andy gave his heart to the Lord. He joined Elizabeth Baptist Church in 1963, where he taught Sunday school for 10 years. Andy enjoyed raising cattle and reading. He was an historian, especially knowledgeable about the American Civil War, and a Kentucky Colonel. Known for his kindness and generosity, Andy's numerous students, friends, and neighbors held him in the highest regard.The sun set on April 21, 2014, at J.J. Jordan Geriatric Center when Andy was taken home to be with his Heavenly Father after a long illness. He was 88 years old.His parents and three sisters, Molly May, Delta Salyers, and Willie Wheeler, preceded Andy in death.His loving and faithful wife of almost 65 years, Dretha Lyon Wheeler, and his precious and dedicated son, Nolan Wheeler, both of Blaine, survive Andy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Lee (Forrest) Draper of Crossville, TN; two nieces - Janie Blanton of Crossville, TN and Fern (Jack) Woods of Miamisburg, OH; 1 nephew - Bobby (Judy) Salyer of Knoxville, TN and three great-nieces. Andy loved his church and requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Elizabeth Baptist Church at Martha, KY. Services will be conducted at Young Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, April 24, 2014 by Rev. Emmet Barker, Rev. Keith Sturgill, and Rev. Floyd (Buck) West. Visitation will begin at 10:00am; the funeral will begin at 1:00pm. A military ceremony will follow at Yatesville Cemetery.