William R. “Bill” Wheat, 76, of Mount Carmel, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born on November 14, 1943 in Mt. Vernon, Indiana, the son of James Olan and Mary Louise (Hames) Wheat. Throughout the years, Bill acquired the nickname of Buck. Bill married Linda Featherlin Sutton on June 29, 1986 and together they enjoyed thirty-four years of marriage.

Bill graduated from Linton High School Class of 1961 in Linton, Indiana. During his high school time, he was President of the Linton High Automotive Club and also enjoyed his time on the football field. Bill was All American while playing left and right guard and also was in the Letterman’s Club. Following high school, Bill attended Diesel Mechanic College in Nashville, Tennessee and became a proud member of the United Mine Workers Association (U.M.W.A.). He worked at AMAX Coal Company, Sun Spot Coal Mine in Mt. Vernon, Illinois as a diesel mechanic where he was a drag line operator. Following the closure of the Sun Spot Mine, Bill started working at the Wabash Coal Mine in Keensburg, Illinois in 1986 and retired from the Wabash Coal Mine in 2006.

Among Bill’s hobbies, he loved going out to eat and visiting with family and friends. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved watching Dale Earnhardt. Bill never met a stranger and always enjoyed conversations with others. He also enjoyed being outdoors and spending time on the water fishing. Bill loved animals, especially his yorkies. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him.

Bill will be remembered by his loving wife, Linda Wheat; sons, Alan Wheat and Billy Joe Sutton; daughters, Diane (Jay) Ingledue and Stacey Sutton; two grandchildren, Tanner Wheat and Logan Sutton. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2020, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. Social distancing practices will be in place.

In lieu of floral contributions and gifts, it would have been Bill’s wishes that memorial contributions be made to Wabash County Animal Shelter Buddies. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Bill’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Wheat family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com