Kelly Joe Wheeler was born July 21, 1958 at Kimball, Nebraska, the son of Richard and Shirley Jean (Hubbard) Wheeler. He departed this life on June 26, 2011 near Ness City, Kansas. He worked in the oilfield all his life. He was an operator for Francis Casing Crews. He was a hard worker and worked many, long hours. Kelly is a perfect example of how someone can turn their life around. Everyone that knew him admired his determination and all the steps he took to change his life for the better. His life revolved around his family. He loved going to thrift stores to find something old. He was always fixing something around the house. He was always willing to help people and liked giving advice about life. He married his best friend and the love of his life, Rhonda Eslinger August 6, 2010. He will be missed by many. Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Wheeler, of the home; one son, Andy Brown, Guymon, Oklahoma; one daughter, Ashley Brown and fiance Michael Richardson; his father and step-mother, Richard and Cindy Wheeler, Hoisington; one sister, Terri Wheeler; one brother, Rory Wheeler, Holyrood, Kansas; and his mother-in-law, Jessie Eslinger, Keyes, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by mother, Shirley; and maternal grandmother, Hazel Dusin. Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with Pastor Al Hatten officiating. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Private family inurnment will be at Pawnee Rock Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are requested to Salvation Army, in care of the funeral home.