Wheeler Services Set

COWETA, Okla. --- Francis Wheeler, whose vision and commitment helped launch the Northeastern State Athletic Association, passed away on Sunday after an illness. He was 75.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 2200 W. Ithica St., in Broken Arrow.
 
His family has requested, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Northeastern State University Athletic Department.

Wheeler was a member of the Athletic Association's Executive Council every year since its inception in 2004 and served as president of the association in 2007. He also chaired the Hall of Fame Selection Committee in 2008 and was instrumental in organizing many of the fund-raising activities the group hosts annually to benefit RiverHawks Athletics.

Inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005, Wheeler graduated from Northeastern State in 1955 and earned his bachelor of science degree in secondary education. He was a two sport letterman and earned honors two years each in basketball and football in 1953 and 1954.

As a member of the 1953 Redmen football team, Wheeler and his teammates won the Oklahoma Collegiate Conference title. After graduation, he started his professional career as a teacher and coach. Not one to be considered one-dimensional, Wheeler coached football, wrestling, basketball and baseball in Oklahoma's public school systems and was also a principal.

Later, he moved on to the collegiate level where he coached for the legendary Glen Dobbs at the University of Tulsa. At TU, he was the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach and helped the Golden Hurricane win three consecutive conference championships in 1965 through 1967.

Wheeler also served on the NSU Foundation board of trustees at the time of his death.

Earlier this semester the football lockerroom at Doc Wadley Stadium was named the Francis Wheeler Lockerroom after his generous gift to the University.