Larry David "Wheels" Wheeler

LARRY DAVID WHEELER

“WHEELS”

Larry David Wheeler, age 89, died on Thursday, December 10, 2020. He was born on November 25, 1931 in Middletown, Ohio to Clarence and Opal Wheeler.

Dave was a graduate of Hamilton High School and furthered his education at Wilmington College. After college, he joined the Naval Reserves, where his duties included manning the larger than life 50- caliber machine gun. While serving his country, Dave married Marilyn Joan Kolstedt. Dave’s professional career started as a math teacher at Fairfield Jr. High School. He retired from Lockland Jr. High.

His passion included anything involving a ball. As a talented baseball player, Dave earned the name “Wheels” and a tryout with the Cincinnati Reds. “You have speed and natural instincts on the field, you have a great eye for the ball, but you are too short,” he was told. Life went on and from the late fifties through the mid-seventies, baseball switched to fast pitch softball. His team won back-to back state championships with Dave named MVP. In 1986 he was inducted into the USA Softball of Ohio Hall of Fame. Dave later became a handball player, winning multiple doubles titles throughout the mid eighties. Many of his trophies and plaques remain on display. In his retirement years, Wheels loved playing golf at Potters golf club in Hamilton. After golf, Dave would play pitch with his friends and reminisce about his foggy hole in one.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marilyn. He is survived by three children, Connie (Ralph) Minnick, Vickie Wheeler, and Robert Wheeler; four grandchildren, Kara (Michael) Olding, Leah (Bryan) Dobek, Kylie Martin and Jessica Wheeler; five great-grandchildren, Gavin, Gabryel and Gracelyn Olding and Sienna and Paxton Dobek. He is also survived by, two sisters, June Wheeler Conlin and Barbara (Larry) Hinkel.

The family expresses sincere apologies for not having a memorial service due to Covid.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dave’s honor to the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League. https://nuxhallmiracleleague.org/donate/  There is a link at the bottom of this page to donate.

Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com

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