Otis Mckinley "Bud" Wheeler Jr.

Otis McKinley Wheeler Jr. “Bud”, 98, of Sodus, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.

Otis was born in Bald Knob, Ark. on Nov. 21, 1924, to Otis Sr. and Delia Wheeler.

Otis served in the Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945 as a PFC Rifleman 745, receiving a Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, W/2 Bronze Battle Stars, and 4 Overseas Service Bars.

After his honorable discharge Otis played the guitar and sang in a band along with various other jobs over the years.

Otis started working for Bendix in 1954 as a machine operator and worked his way up to becoming a set up operator in machining. During his employment, Bendix became Allied Signal, and after 37 years he retired in 1991.

Otis is survived by his children: Barry (Pam) Wheeler and David Wheeler of Dyersburg, Tenn., Louann Bauer of Watervliet, and Otis Mark III (Sandra) of St. Joseph; stepchildren: Michael (Jeana) Gilliam of Coloma, Karen Kopp of Sodus, Peggy (Joe) Yacklich of Eau Claire, and John (Diane) Rydecki of Lake Placid, Fla.; 27 grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-great- grandchildren.

Otis was preceded in death by Edna, his wife of 50 years; son, William Wheeler; stepson, Steve Rydecki; grandson, Matthew Wheeler; step-granddaughters, Tracy Rydecki and Amanda Gilliam.

Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at Bowerman Funeral Home, Eau Claire, and service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Dawn Oldenburg officiating, and graveside following at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Sodus.  www.bowermanfuneral.com.