Obituary
Mr. Gary Joe Wheeler, Greenwood, passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, June 22, 2024. He was 71. Gary was born May 6, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Helen Marie (VanHorn) Hodges.
Gary attended and graduated from Wood High School in Indianapolis. Despite his well-known dislike for school and his attempts to skip classes, he still managed to graduate, long hair and all. Art was his favorite class, and it showed in his life’s work. Gary was a dedicated artist, particularly in woodwork, antique furniture restoration, landscaping, and home improvement. His talent for fixing everything that was broken was unmatched.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Gary loved making others happy. He loved to play. Playing with his great-grandchildren, grandchildren and children. He found joy in playing the drums and guitar, and in sharing laughs with friends and family on Facebook. His hobbies included artwork, fishing, and real estate remodeling. He also enjoyed spending time with loved ones and helping others. He was always doing things, building things, creating things and buying things for others.
Gary was a skilled drummer and performed in the ‘Charm Alarm Band’. As a Sophomore in high school in 1969, Charm Alarm competed in and won the battle of the Bands competition that was sponsored by radio station WIFE. After winning, the band opened for Kenny Rogers and the First Edition in front of a crowd of over 8,000 people at the Farmer’s Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Gary designed the yearbook cover for Wood High School, although he wasn’t included in the 1971 edition because he was unwilling to cut his hair for the picture.
Gary is survived by his daughters, Kristin (Brad) Epler and Kari (Keith) Lancaster; his grandchildren, Nathan (Alexa) Epler, Chayse (William) Carnes, Brayden Wilde, Connor Epler, Landin Wilde and Lincoln Lancaster; his great-grandchildren, Xavier Curry, Caden Curry and Arthur Curry. He is also survived by his siblings, Linda (John) LaVine, Thelma Knight, Rick 'Jim' (Connie) Wheeler and Jeff Hodges, as well as many nieces, nephews, their spouses, and children.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in passing by his sister, Billie Barnes and her husband, Bob Barnes as well as another brother-in-law, James L. Knight.
A celebration of Gary’s life is scheduled for 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Southside Turners in German Park, 8604 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, 46217. The family invites everyone to join them for an evening of music, food, and fun in honor of Gary’s memory.