Robert D. Wheatley

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert Dean Wheatley, 76, of Tampa, Fla., formerly of Du Quoin, Ill. passed away Monday, July 27, 2009, after a difficult, year-long battle with cancer.

Bob was born Nov. 26, 1932 to Dean and Josephine Wheatley of Du Quoin.

He retired from GTE of Illinois after 35 years of service and relocated to Tampa, Florida in 1985 where he continued to contract for GTE another several years and was still working at the age of 75 yrs. as a groundskeeper for several properties. He enjoyed working, loved keeping busy and meeting new people. He definitely possessed the "gift of gab."

Surviving Bob are his wife of 46 years, Joan Wheatley; two daughters, Cheryl Matthew and husband, Haifil, of Tampa, Fla. and Jane Ann McKinney and husband, Steve, of De Soto, Ill.; one son, Bob Wheatley and wife, Beverly, of De Soto; two brothers, Lester Wheatley and wife, Carolyn, and Lyle Wheatley and wife, Deanna, and one sister, JoAnn Moore all of Du Quoin, as well as two sisters-in-law, Paulette Wheatley of Du Quoin and Carmen Wheatley of Barstow, Calif. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Michael Matthew, age 17, of Tampa, Fla.; Sherri Eberhart and husband, Anton, of Johnston City, Ill.; Joe McKinney and wife, Beth, of De Soto and Jenny Clark and husband, Jim, of Virginia Beach, Va. Bob is survived by four great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews as well as several very dear family friends in Tampa, Mrs. Ann Brynes, her grandson, Zachary Foster, Mr. Bernie Livingston and the Sandoval family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Donnie, Bernie and Richard Wheatley.

At Bob's specific request, he was cremated with no visitation, funeral or flowers. Donations can be made in his name by calling Life Path Hospice at (813)877-2200. Life Path Hospice provided tender, loving care to Bob in his final days and provided tremendous support to Joan and Cheryl as they cared for him at home and finally at the Life Path Hospice House in Sun City, Fla.

During Bob's final days, he revisited many memories. He spoke fondly of his children, siblings, family, long-time friends and old co-workers. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by many.

Condolences can be sent to his wife, Joan Wheatley, at 146 Curiosity Creek Lane, Tampa, FL 33612.