Lester Lee Wheatley
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Lester Lee Wheatley, 71, of Du Quoin, passed away at 12:05 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2011 at his home.
Lester had worked for General Cable for 39 years, retiring in 2006. He was of the Protestant faith. Lester enjoyed working in his yard cutting the grass, having family gatherings, cooking Sunday dinner and sharing his candy with his great great nieces, giving him the nickname of "The Candy Man."
He was born Dec. 30, 1939 at Du Quoin, Ill, the son of Dean and Josephine (Kohout) Wheatley. He married Carolyn Sue Bowlin on Oct. 14, 1961 at Carbondale, Ill. and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin; one son, Darrin Wheatley and wife Karen of Du Quoin; granddaughter, Melissa Wheatley of Du Quoin; two grandsons, Daniel Wright and Dustin Wright, both of Du Quoin; one sister, JoAnn Moore and friend Charlie Mozi of Du Quoin; his mother-in-law, Lois (Hawk) Bowlin; several sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Robert, Richard, Donald, Bernard and Lyle Dean.
Memorial services were at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 5 at Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Gerald Wright officiating.
Friends called from 5 p.m. until time of service on Sunday at Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Per Lester's request, cremation services were held.
Friends may make memorials to VNA-TIP Hospice or donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.