Frederick A. Wheeler Jr.
Frederick A. Wheeler Jr., age 86, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Born in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Frederick A. Wheeler Sr. and Mary Novak Wheeler. Fred was a graduate of William Penn High School and was employed as an instrument technician with Occidental Petroleum in Delaware City (formerly Diamond Shamrock Chemical Company).
In addition to his parents, Fred was predeceased by his beloved wife of 33 years, Barbara A. Wheeler, in 2006; a son, Jeffrey McKee, in 1989; and his sister, Frances Johnson.
Fred leaves to honor his memory his brother, Tom Wheeler and wife Cheryl; his children, Kenneth McKee and wife Theresa, Sharon Conomon and husband Michael, Kathy Barge and husband Bill, and Scott Wheeler and wife Leanne; 10 grandchildren, Thomas McDonough, Amanda McKee, Gheorghe Conomon, Jennifer McKee Donahue, Bryen Foraker, Christopher Foraker, Julianna Conomon Blair, Jordan McBride, Olivia Wheeler, and Alexa Wheeler; and 10 great-grandchildren, Natalie McDonough, Bryen Foraker, Braden Foraker, Lincoln McDonough, Bailey Foraker, Alexander William Donahue, Elizabeth Faye Donahue, Savannah McDonough, Harmony Conomon, and James Blair. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and close friends who will miss him dearly.
Fred proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Barbara, and remained active in his community as a member of the Weston Senior Center, where he especially loved playing pool and spending time with friends. During the summer months, Fred could often be found on his porch smoking cigars, watching the world go by, and tending to his vegetable garden. He had a deep love for his late dog, Boopers, and was known as a wonderful neighbor and a loyal friend. Fred also enjoyed politics and, as he liked to say, “solving the world’s problems.”
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A committal service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
Joe Gardner
Sorry for your loss Sharon and the Wheeler Family.
Tom Wheeler
I LOve And MISS The Bubba Fred‼️‼️‼️
Michael and Renee Wynn
Fred was a great neighbor. For years,Summer, Spring and Fall were our favorite times to sit under the big tree in his yard or on my porch to laugh and talk about eveything for hours. Life will never be the same without my friend. So many stories and memories. Mike Wynn
Joe and Jane Bruton
Condolences to Scott and the entire Wheeler family.
Jane Twardowski
Will miss seeing Fred sitting on his porch when I go out or return home. I would also see Fred at Weston Senior center. Condolences to the wheeler family.
Ron Stephon
So sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. My Dad, Fred, and I, all worked together at Diamond Shamrock and he was also our neighbor. Fred will be truly missed and was a good friend of ours. Prayers for his family at this time.
Ron and Laura Stephon
Linda Healey
I met Fred at Weston senior center and played pool with him and Ralph and Ray. I liked his spunky attitude and his kindness to me. Some people thought he was grumpy but I saw Fred’s good heart and I will never forget him. Rest in peace Fred.