Thomas Oren Wheeler, a Los Gatos resident for the past 50 years, died July 20 at Good Samaritan Hospital of congestive heart failure. He was 86.
Born April 1, 1914, in Greensburg, Kan., Wheeler and his twin brother were the last two children in a family of eight boys and five girls. His twin died in the 1918 influenza epidemic.
After graduating from high school in 1932, Wheeler worked for a time on dam construction projects on the Colorado River. He was most proud of participating in the construction of Boulder Dam, which was later renamed Hoover Dam. He subsequently worked as a carpenter for four decades and was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners for 59 years. He was affiliated with Local 405 in San Jose.
Wheeler was preceded in death by his first wife, Geneva, in 1985. Survivors include wife Helen Wheeler of Los Gatos; daughter Sharon Wheeler Hjerpe of Los Gatos; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services have been held, with interment at Los Gatos Memorial Park.
Donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat St., Americus, Ga., 31709.
August 16, 2000 Los Gatos Weekly Times
Thomas Oren Wheeler, a Los Gatos resident for the past 50 years, died July 20 at Good Samaritan Hospital of congestive heart failure. He was 86.
Born April 1, 1914, in Greensburg, Kan., Wheeler and his twin brother were the last two children in a family of eight boys and five girls. His twin died in the 1918 influenza epidemic.
After graduating from high school in 1932, Wheeler worked for a time on dam construction projects on the Colorado River. He was most proud of participating in the construction of Boulder Dam, which was later renamed Hoover Dam. He subsequently worked as a carpenter for four decades and was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners for 59 years. He was affiliated with Local 405 in San Jose.
Wheeler was preceded in death by his first wife, Geneva, in 1985. Survivors include wife Helen Wheeler of Los Gatos; daughter Sharon Wheeler Hjerpe of Los Gatos; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services have been held, with interment at Los Gatos Memorial Park.
Donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat St., Americus, Ga., 31709.
August 16, 2000 Los Gatos Weekly Times
Family Members
-
![]()
James Adolphus "High" Wheeler
1897–1943
-
![]()
William Folsom Wheeler
1898–1970
-
![]()
Lena Ophelya Wheeler Puyear
1899–1974
-
![]()
Caroline Oneita Wheeler McFarlen
1902–1982
-
![]()
John Peter "Pete" Wheeler
1903–1983
-
![]()
George Wendell "Wendy" Wheeler
1905–1980
-
![]()
Oscar Louie Wheeler
1906–1986
-
![]()
Maggie Marian Wheeler Barnhart
1907–1999
-
![]()
Elizabeth Martha Jane Wheeler Mace
1909–1936
-
Infant Boy Wheeler
1910–1910
-
![]()
Lora Neva Wheeler Miller
1912–1990
-
![]()
Robert Loren Wheeler
1914–1918
