Published on August 23, 2026 5:48 pm
Last Updated on August 23, 2026 5:48 pm
Michael “Mike” Wesley Wheeler, 62, of Cowden, Illinois, passed away on August 21, 2026, at home, surrounded by the love of his family.
Mike was born on August 18, 1964, in Shelbyville, the youngest child of Fred and Mildred Irene (Miller) Wheeler. He grew up in Shelbyville and graduated from Shelbyville High School with the Class of 1982. On October 8, 1983, Mike married the love of his life, Barbie Florey. Together they shared 42 blessed years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and devotion. Their marriage was a true partnership, and Mike remained a loving, devoted, and proud husband throughout his life. He treasured the home they made together and the family they raised. Mike dedicated more than 43 years of his working life to Graphic Packaging in Shelbyville, where he served as a supervisor. He was respected for his strong work ethic, reliability, and leadership, and he took pride in doing his job well. His long career reflected the same commitment and dependability that he brought to every part of his life. Outside of work, Mike was an avid musician who loved playing the drums. Music brought him joy, and he shared that passion with those around him. He was also a true sports fanatic and especially loved football, basketball, and baseball. He was a diehard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Illinois Fighting Illini, and the Chicago Bears, and he followed his teams with enthusiasm and loyalty through every season. Above all else, Mike loved his family. Nothing compared to the devotion he had for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and found great joy in being part of their lives. His love for his family was constant and unmistakable, and he will be remembered for the care, encouragement, and affection he gave so freely. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Mike leaves behind his wife, Barbie, of Cowden; their children, Marie (Josh) McGee of Louisville, Nick (Kayla) Wheeler of Beecher City, Emily (Ethan) Fulk of Edgewood, and Joel (Morgan) Wheeler of Ramsey; 17 grandchildren, Kylee Wheeler, Rylee Bertin, Myah McGee, Isaiah McGee, Remi McGee, Elli Wheeler, Max Wheeler, Millie Wheeler, Mila Fulk, Nora Fulk, Faye Fulk, Leni Fulk, Sage Wheeler, Brantley Wheeler, Ryland Wheeler, Tripp Wheeler, and Layla Wheeler; three great-grandchildren, Koe Kircher, Rese Kircher, and Athena Pleasant; two sisters, Julie (Jay) Coin of Beecher City and Deanna (Gary) Hall of Cowden; his aunt, Daisy Logsdon of Cowden; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one child.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Cowden, followed by graveside services at Oak Grove Cemetery with Sid Hutchison officiating. In Mike’s honor the family kindly requests St. Louis Cardinals attire. Memorials may be made in his name, memorial yet to be determined. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.