Russell Dean Wheat

Russell Dean Wheat, 85 of San Jose, died at 8:10 pm, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at his residence. He was born August 8, 1922 in Hopedale, IL the son of Benjamin and Opal (McIntyre) Wheat. He married Dorothy Kolves but later divorced. Lucille McDole is his longtime companion. Survivors are one son: Richard (Linda) Wheat of Manito and one daughter; Linda (Dennis) Rexroad of Taylorville. Two grandchildren: Jennifer (Brian) Bucher and Stephanie (Trent) Smith: four great grandchildren: Logan Dean Smith, Taylor Nicole Smith, Austin Jacob Bucher, Colton Tyler Bucher; Two sisters: Dorothy Mitchell and Marcey (Carl) Brems both of Florida. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and two brothers. Mr. Wheat loved playing euchre, fishing and camping. He was a member of the San Jose United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Havana VFW. Mr. Wheat was a truck driver, he owned and operated Russell Wheat Trucking and he retired from San Jose Co-Op. At the age of 20 Russell was drafted into the United State Army. He served from December 21, 1942-1945. He finished his basic training in Camp Wheeler Georgia then he went to Fort Orchard California for six weeks more training. He was with the 7th Division 32nd Infantry, where he was a medic in the army. He was an aid man on the front lines at Attu from May through September in the Aleutian-- Islands. He served in the Kwajalein Campaign in February 1944. Private 1st class received a Silver Star for gallantry in action the citation by Brigadier General A.V. Arnold. On December 22, 1944 he served in Leyte in the Philippine Islands, he was awarded a bronze star and the oak leaf cluster by direction of the President under the provisions of the act of Congress he also received a Silver star Medal. He also served in Okinawa and Korea. He was honorably discharged on November 17, 1945 at the age of 23. Mr. Wheat received a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, 2 silver stars, 1 bronze star, Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, 4 Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze Battle Stars and 5 Overseas Service Bars and several ribbons. Services will be held at the San Jose United Methodist Church; Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 10:00am burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Forest City. Visitation will be held on Friday from 6-8pm at the San Jose United Methodist Church. Rev. Stephen King will be officiating. Memorials may be made to San Jose United Methodist Church or the San Jose Fire Department. Hurley Funeral Home in San Jose is in charge of arrangements.

Russell Dean Wheat

August 8, 1922 - April 16, 2008

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