Jackie Don (Jack) Wheeler

Jackie Don (Jack) Wheeler, age 73, died  at home in Salado on September 25, 2011, surrounded by his wife Kate, friends and family.  

He was born in Gorman, Texas to John Henry and Velma Mae Wheeler.

After finishing high school in Gorman, Jack graduated from North Texas State University with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.  Following  military service he   accepted the position of Assistant Personnel Manager for State Farm Insurance Co. in Dallas.   Jack then spent 20 years in higher education  serving as Vice-President of  University of North Texas in Denton and then as Vice-President at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Later he worked as a legislative consultant, allowing him to devote time and energy toward his passion to provide quality medical care for all.  

While in Austin he served as the Executive Director of the Texas Association of Public and Non-Profit  Hospitals.  After retirement he enjoyed a lifelong hobby by devoting more time to Wheeler’s Art and Antiques, a business he and his wife, Kate, shared.

Jack served on numerous civic committees and boards, but his real love was that of mentoring the young men of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon.  For over 40 years he traveled across the country speaking on various campuses.  He served as national president of his fraternity; and was awarded the fraternity’s highest honor, “The Order of the Golden Heart.” 

He founded the national “Honor of Philias” (Love of Brother) Award at his fraternity. This bi-annual award recognizes an individual or an organization that demonstrates “Brotherly Love” in an uncommon and recognizable way, and doing so without expected recognition, award, or attention.

  Jack is survived by his wife  of  47 years, Annye Kate Blair Wheeler, one sister, Mary Jo Shaw of  Weatherford, four nephews, Gary  Bennett and his wife Anita of Mesquite, Johnny Eaves and his wife Catherine of Gorman, Ted Bennett and his wife Karen of  Big Lake, and Bobby Mark Eaves and his wife Elaine of Albany.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Alva Mae Bennett and her husband, Vernon Bennett.

Private graveside services were held at the Salado Cemetery on September 27, 2011.  

Memorial gifts may be given to a charity of your choice or to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Education Foundation specifying either for the “Honor of Philias” award or the Jack Wheeler Scholarship Fund and mailed to Duffy Oyster, 10750 Strait Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229.

Services are in the care of Broecker Funeral Home, Salado, Texas