John Patrick Wheeler, 71, of Delphi, IN passed away on Wednesday, July 9, at 3:00 a.m. at home surrounded by his family.John was born on September 26, 1942, in Delphi, IN to Don Wheeler and Joye Garrison Wheeler. He attended schools in Delphi, Buck Creek, Pittsburg and Monticello IN, graduating from East Bay H.S. in Gibsonton, FL in 1960. On October 1, 1963, he married Claudia Diane Richardson in Ruskin, FL. She survives. John worked as a machinist for ALCOA in Lafayette, IN for 39 years, retiring in 2007.John loved to work with his hands. He was a master carpenter. He and his wife restored 11 homes and had been working on their 12th home at the time of his death. He also enjoyed restoring classic cars and had lovingly restored 28 Fords.John loved nature. He enjoyed hunting with his coon dogs, searching for mushrooms, and was an avid fisherman. He was an active member of the Kiwanis and several coon dog clubs.John loved spending time with his family and friends. He embraced God's command to love thy neighbor offering encouragement, financial assistance and aid to others whenever he could, without fanfare and often without the recipient's knowledge. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.