^_OBITUARY
Jeffrey Martin Wheeler

November 4, 1960 – September 9, 2026

Jeffrey Martin Wheeler, known affectionately as Jeff to his family and friends, passed away peacefully in McKinney, Texas, on September 9, 2026, at the age of 65. He was born on November 4, 1960, in Danville, Illinois.

Jeff was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Above all else, his family was the center of his world. He was deeply dedicated to the people he loved and was known for his generosity, his caring nature, his dry sense of humor, and his love of laughter. He worked hard throughout his life and took great pride in helping and caring for others.

Jeff built a distinguished career in the life and disability insurance industry, beginning after his graduation from Michigan State University in 1982 and continuing until his retirement in 2021. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance & Insurance from Michigan State and went on to earn the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) from The American College in 1986 and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from The American College in 1988.

He began his professional career as a sales representative in Detroit, Michigan, and went on to manage offices in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Houston, Texas. From 1998 until his retirement in 2021, he served as Employee Benefits Manager at Standard Insurance Company in Dallas, Texas. His dedication and leadership were recognized throughout his career, including leading teams that were honored with Office of the Year awards in 2012 and 2015.

Outside of work, Jeff found joy in the things he loved most: spending time with his family, watching college and professional football, especially his beloved Dallas Cowboys, visiting new places, as well as his perennial favorite, Torch Lake, Michigan. Other interests included fishing, running and staying active, playing golf, enjoying wine, listening to 1970s rock music, particularly Aerosmith, and, of course, Starbucks coffee. He also had a special love for his pets, who were cherished members of his family.

Jeff's love of running reflected something deeper about his character—he was someone who showed up for others. In 1997, a friend of Jeff's was running the Houston Marathon, and Jeff joined him for the final 10 kilometers. His friend later said, “There is no way I would have finished without him.” That moment captured Jeff perfectly. He was the kind of person who would come alongside someone when they needed him most and help carry them through to the finish.

Jeff will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his beloved wife of 40 years, Nancy Jean Wheeler; his daughters, Megan Gladstein and her husband Michael, and Mandy Tadvick and her husband Chris; his grandchildren, Palmer and Mason Gladstein; his brother, James E. Wheeler II and his wife, Susan; and many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Wheeler and Judith Anne Wheeler.

Jeff leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, hard work, friendship, and memories that will remain with those who knew him. His greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family and the many ways he cared for the people around him.