Joseph Lawrence Wheeler's Obituary
Celebrating the life of Dr. Joseph L Wheeler
May 30, 1936 — December 16, 2025
Dr. Joseph L. Wheeler—most recently of Annapolis, Maryland—drifted peacefully into his final sleep on December 16, 2025. He was beloved as a son (Joe Baby), brother (Josesito), husband (Joe), father (Papa Wheelie), uncle (Uncle Joe), grandpa (Poppy), professor (Dr. Joe), mentor, author (America’s Keeper of the Story), and friend to all.
Born to missionary parents, Joe grew up in Latin America before earning degrees from Monterey Bay Academy, Pacific Union College, University of California, and Vanderbilt.
From drivers ed to department chair, from elementary to Oakwood University, Southwestern Adventist University, and Washington Adventist University — Joe pushed his students to greatness, and they loved him for it.
Beyond teaching, Joe was general editor at Focus on the Family, cofounder of the Zane Grey’s West Society, the world’s authority on best-selling author Zane Grey, and the force behind Southwestern Adventist University’s Lyceum and Humanities Series.
After teaching, Joe’s biggest impact was as an author, editor, and short-story anthologist. He authored 109 books, selling over 1.5 million copies, including the 30-year series Christmas in My Heart.
Joe leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Connie; son Greg, daughter Michelle Wheeler Culmore; son-in-law Duane Culmore; grandson Taylor Culmore, grandson Seth Culmore and wife Katelynn Culmore; brother Romayne; sister Marjorie Raymond; brother-in-law Elmer Raymond, bonus-sister Virtudes Irsula, and several nieces and nephews.
Joe will be remembered for his warm hugs, generous spirit, brilliance, and how—like a rising tide—he lifted each of us up.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, March 1, 1:30 PM
Sligo SDA Church
7700 Carroll Ave.
Takoma Park, MD, 20912.
Stream the service live at https://Media.SligoChurch.org
In lieu of flowers, please support the WHEELER EDUCATION FUND at https://ZGWS.org
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?