Larry Dean Wheeler, 89, formerly of Elkhart, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Cassopolis, MI surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Elkhart, IN on November 26, 1935, to the late Russel David Wheeler and Virginia (Juday) Wheeler.

Larry is also preceded in death by his brothers, James and Ralph Wheeler; his former spouse, Maxine Wheeler; and faithful rottweilers, Jones and Missy. He is survived by his sister, Marianna (Phillip) Steele; children, Teesa (Tim) Hall, Dean (Stephanie) Wheeler, and Leesa (Leo) Rowley; grandchildren, John (Edith) Adkins, Tiffany (Austin) Castner, Brittany Stewart, Tiffany (Chris) Faigh, Elijah, Emmanuel, Arya, and Abraham Jaramillo, and Millie and Marshall Wheeler; 9 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren.

In accordance with Larry's wishes, cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. No services will be held at this time.

Larry, also known by many in the Elkhart area as "Indiana Larry" or by his nickname, "Spider" was a hardworking man and was a patriotic citizen of the United States of America. He served proudly in the United States Navy for nearly 4 years and worked as a line worker in the Trailer Manufacturing Industry for several years. He later would go on to retire from Adams and Westlake after 27 years of service and became an entrepreneur where he worked alongside his son, Dean, for their own company, D&D Decking.

Those who knew Larry knew him to be a man who loved fiercely and was a strong provider and protector of his family. He would do anything for them as family always came first. Larry enjoyed spending time with them all, from bike rides on his motorcycle, bingo at the Moose Lodge, playing the lotto and scratch offs, hunting everything from deer to bears, watching his son motorcross race, to frequenting "the joint" at Bristol Street Café. Larry was a true family man and was the backbone and heart of his family.

No words can express how much he will be dearly missed but his memory will live on forever through the stories of "Indiana Larry."