Bobby G. Wheeler Sr.

Bobby G. Wheeler Sr., 93, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Hallmark House in Pekin, IL.

Born on October 14, 1931, in Peoria, he was the son of Joseph "Ed" and Twila Wheeler. After the untimely passing of his mother when he was just three years old, he was lovingly raised by his father and his devoted stepmother, Esther. He married Betty J. Dimmitt on March 25, 1951. Following their divorce, he found love in his later years with Roberta Keown.

Bob is survived by his son, Bobby (Karen) Wheeler of East Peoria; his granddaughter, Katrina Hansen-Wheeler of Morton, IL; and his two sisters, Helen Johnson of California and Ruth Gaskill of Groveland, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lorraine Hyzer.

For an impressive 57 years, Bob established himself as a barber in Peoria, first running Bob's Barber Shop on Wisconsin Ave. and later relocating to Sheridan Road.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Rochester during the Korean Conflict from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1956.

Bob was a distinguished Master Mason for 68 years, serving as Past Master of Lancaster Lodge 106 A.F.& A.M. in Glasford, IL. As a life member of the Mohammed Shrine, he held the title of Past Commander of the Mohammed Legion of Honor. Furthermore, he was actively involved in the Valley of Peoria Scottish Rite and served as past Monarch of Abbas Grotto. He was also a respected member of the Spring Bay American Legion and Sunnyland Christian Church. Bob efficiently held positions as past President of the Greater Peoria Church Dartball League, the Glen Oak School PTA, and the Bushmasters Camping Club.

A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Bob had a passion for hunting and woodworking, but nothing matched the joy he found in spending time with his family. He thrived on engaging with others, often bringing laughter to those around him. Known as "Onion Man" at the Shrine, he sold as many as 250 bags of onions for the shrine each year from his barber shop. He often asserted, "I don't have a thing to complain about; every day is a holiday, and every meal is a banquet." Bob took great pride in his time with the Shrine clown unit and the Grotto clown unit, where he became a beloved figure in local parades, riding his three-wheeled tricycle.

A memorial visitation is set for Monday, September 8, 2025, from 4 PM to 6 PM, followed by a Masonic service at 6 PM at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. A memorial service will take place at 10 AM on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, also at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, in Peoria where the U.S. Navy will render military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be directed to the Mohammed Shrine Children's Hospital or Abbas Grotto Dentistry for Children with Special Needs. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory or send condolences to his family, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.