Obituary for William “Wheeler” Cobb

Wheeler Cobb

January 27, 1934 – May 10, 2021

William “Wheeler” Cobb was born in the Ponca City Hospital on January 27th, 1934 to Alice and William (Bill) Cobb.

At the age of five, they moved to the farm which he always said it was the only way to grow up.

He attended the Round Grove District #68 for the first 8 years and then attended Ponca City schools, graduating from PO-HI in 1951.

During his youth he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and working with livestock. He also joined a custom harvesting crew and work the summer going all the way to South Dakota. He always said he had a ball.

He began a career in rodeoing, riding broncs and bulls until injuries helped him to decide it was time to move on.

While working for Midwest Creamery he met a young woman while delivering milk to her parents’ restaurant. He summoned the nerve to ask her out and as he said the rest is history.

Betty and Wheeler were married on June 20th, 1954 in Wellington, KS. This union brought forth three children, Roxy, Rhett, and Russell.

During the following years Wheeler worked different jobs, the Blackwell Zinc Smelter for nine years, plus farmed with his father-in-law and brother-in-law. They also began a custom harvesting business, in the summer he would start in Oklahoma and go all the way to South Dakota, retuning in September to start the fall harvesting in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.

During his spare time, he worked for Massey Ferguson and then John Deere as the service manager.

After his retirement he work for NAPA Auto Parts and then decided to start substitute teaching in the Blackwell School District. This was the highlight of his career. He loved working with kids, trying to pass on some of the knowledge he had acquired over many years.

He loved working with 4-H and FFA students, and always kept his children busy with livestock projects.

Wheeler was a devout Christian and would speak to anyone about our Lord and Savior who wanted to know more about his faith.

Wheeler is survived by his wife Betty, his three children Roxy Pease and her husband Kevin of Memphis, TN, Rhett Cobb and his wife Phyllis of Edmond, OK and Russell Cobb and his wife Rachel of Cape Girardeau, MO. Two granddaughters Sabrina Stark and husband Paul and Shanell Westerheide and husband Bunkie. There are also seven great grandchildren, Will Stark, Collin Stark, Natalie Stark, Jason Stark, Sophia Westerheide, Harper Westerheide and Jack (John) Westerheide.

Three sisters, Lennis Walker of Farmington NM, Kay Magovern of Albuquerque NM, and Becky Lane of Ponca City, OK, three nieces, Donna Battles and family, Laurie Magovern – Thiebaut and family, Alicia Lane and one nephew Doug Walker.

He also has two adopted daughters, Jayleen Soulek and husband J D, Annette Burke and husband Mike, plus, Mika Burke-Hoemann and husband Brett and Trenton Burke and wife Danielle and daughter Teagan.

He also had extended family, of Phil Green and wife Julie, and their children Jordan and Katie.

Also, many close friends. (You know who you are. ?)

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 at Blackwell First United Methodist Church with Rev. Daniel Gibbens-Rickman and Rev. Cap McIlnay officiating.

Honorary casketbearers will be Max Claybaker, Steve Steigerwald, Mike Burke, Trenton Burke, J. D. Soulek, Jordan Green, Phil Green and Todd Kahle.

A memorial fund has been established in his honor with the Ponca City Gospel Jubilee, sent in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.