The Richmond News, Dec. 23, 2022

Kent Wheeler

Donald “Kent” Wheeler, 59, of rural Hardin, died on Friday, December 16, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Kent was born on May 27, 1963, the son of Donald and Carol June (Williams) Wheeler. Kent was united in marriage to Stephanie Diane Shatswell of Lawson on November 28, 1987; she survives of the home. Additional survivors include: his father and his step-mother Elaine Wheeler of rural Hardin; three sons, Grant and his wife Ann of Hardin, Spencer and his wife Anna of Omaha, NE; and Chandler Wheeler of the home. Grandson, Reid Wheeler; brother, Darin and his wife Aimee of Hardin; father-in-law, Laughton Shatswell of Richmond; brother-in-law and his wife, Kevin and Michelle Shatswell of Sparta, MO.

Kent was preceded in death by his mother; his motherin- law, Mary Shatswell; sister-in-law, Amy Wheeler.

Kent lived his entire life in the Hardin Community. He was a graduate of Hardin-Central and of Northwest Missouri State University. He met his wife Stephanie at NWMSU and they married soon after her graduation. He worked for Ray County Bank for five years and then became a full-time farmer.

He was a devoted grandson, son, husband, father, brother and friend. Kent was known to be someone that had a good sense of business and was sought out for many committees and boards in Hardin, throughout Ray County and even a state committee. Despite being involved in many organizations he was very humble and surprised when he would be recognized for his services.

Kent was active in many things, but what was most important was his love for his Lord and Savior. He was raised and baptized in the Rockingham Church of the Brethren in rural Hardin and a few years after marrying he moved to First Baptist of Hardin where he was a deacon.

Before his cancer diagnosis he shared his wish for his own obituary that it not be filled with a listing of what he had done. He wanted to tell everyone that he was a Christian, and it should be the most important thing in every person’s life.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests they be made to Hardin First Baptist Church BMRC. Memorials can always be dropped by or mailed to in care of the family, to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 E. Main – P.O. Box 190, Richmond, 64085.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 26, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hardin-Central School. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. also at Hardin-Central with burial to follow in Wakenda Cemetery, North of Hardin. Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond, in charge of the arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Kent with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome. com.