Ronald "Ron" Wheeler, 83, of Defiance, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. He was born on November 23, 1940, to Lemon and Opal (Richardson) Wheeler in Menifee County, Kentucky.  On September 26, 1959, he married Patricia O'Keefe who preceded him in death.

Ron retired from General Motors in 1992 with 28 years of service. He was a member of the UAW and a Life Member of the Leipsic Gun Club.  He loved NASCAR and NHRA.  He built hot rods with his son.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He treasured his time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ron is survived by his children, Ron (Brenda) Wheeler and Rhonda (Jason) Shaffer both of Defiance; his grandchildren, Jaylynn (Tyler) Gerken, and Jessica (Ethan) Stykemain. He also leaves behind his great grandchildren, Grace, Walker, Wheeler, and Emmaline Stykemain, and Sawyer Gerken; and his siblings, Murell (Mary Ann) Wheeler, Tommy (Linda) Wheeler, Johnny (Betty) Wheeler, David Wheeler, Judy Thomas, Kathy Toy, Fern Woosley, Brenda Stroub, and Linda (Bobby) Patton-Hudson. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Wheeler; grandson, Joshua Shaffer; great-granddaughter, Catherine Faith Stykemain; and brother, Chester Wheeler. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm at the funeral home, with Celebrant Deb Miller officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Defiance Humane Society.