Thomas Bruce Wheeler

Bruce Wheeler of Bardstown, KY passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 79. 

Bruce was born in Louisville, KY on June 6, 1942 to Joseph Kent Wheeler of Bardstown, KY and Mary Evangeline Wheeler of Peonia, KY.

Bruce graduated from St. Brigid Catholic Grade School and was a 1960 graduate of St. Xavier High School. As a teenager, Bruce worked part time for his Daddy, who was the Chief Engineer at St. Anthony Hospital in Louisville, KY. Bruce enjoyed working with his Daddy and learning how to perform the plumbing and electrical repair jobs. After graduating from high school, Bruce’s Daddy offered him a full time job as his Engineering Assistant at St. Anthony Hospital, where he was employed for 38 years.

Bruce served in the Kentucky National Guard for 9 years and was a member of the Whiskey City Cruisers in Bardstown, KY. Bruce enjoyed the weekly Wednesday dinners at BJ’s in Bardstown with the Cruisers. In 2011, Bruce worked at his sister Marilyn’s house in Louisville, KY renovating her home. He was assisted by his son Scott and David Wheeler, his nephew. The renovation took 2 years to complete. After the renovation was completed, Marilyn hired Bruce to work full time as the caretaker of her property.

Bruce loved hunting and fishing with his Daddy and his brother, Joseph.  Bruce, his wife Judy and his grandson Cody enjoyed relaxing under the big shade tree in their front yard with their beloved dog Shadow Bear and their next door neighbor Phil.

Bruce was preceded in death by his loving parents, Joseph Kent and Mary Evangeline Wheeler, his in-laws Millard Hutchins, Sr. and Anna Lola Hutchins and his niece Kimberly Kent Wheeler, who died on February 20, 2021, who he adored.

Bruce is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years Judy (Hutchins) Wheeler, his son Jeremy Scott Wheeler (Amy) and his grandson Cody Thomas Wheeler. Cody looks just like his father and his Papaw. Cody and Papaw were very close and they loved going on long car rides, fishing together and eating lunch in Bardstown. 

Bruce is survived by his brother Joseph Wheeler (Linda 2002), his sister Mary Charlene Browder (Fred), and his sister Marilyn Kent Velde; nieces and nephews; Joan Matthews (Steve), Steven Wheeler, David Wheeler, Lisa Browder and his close friends Phil and Elise Fassler.

Funeral Mass will be held in Bardstown, KY at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.  Rev. Joseph Batcheldor will officiate and Deacon Steve Heil will assist.  Visitation will be from 12 Noon till 7 P.M. Monday, May 9, 2022 and 9 to 10:15 A.M. Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Barlow Funeral Home.  A prayer service will be 6:00 P.M. Monday, May 9, 2022.

Donations can be made in Bruce’s memory to the American Cancer Society (900 E Main Street Louisville, KY 40206) and Hospice of Nelson County (711 McDowell Blvd, Bardstown, KY 40004).

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