Eugene Lee Wheaton, 75, of Hillsboro, passed away peacefully in his home on May 11th, 2023. Gene was born on January 31, 1948, and married his lifetime partner, Donna Lindquist, on May 3, 1980. Surviving family includes his wife Donna; his son, Jason (Janet) Wheaton; his brothers, Bob (Debbie) Wheaton and Carl Wheaton; his sisters, Pat Grider and Betty Sasseen; as well as sister-in-law Sherry (Don) Bailey, brother-in-law Steve Lindquist, and brother-in-law Jeff (Shelly) Lindquist, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his good friends, Gary and Paula Pate, Jim Vanetta, Jim Brown, Stewart Crane, and many more. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Tom and Lenora Lindquist; and brother-in-law John Sasseen. Gene and his wife, Donna, owned the Mellott Bar & Grill from 1981 to 1992, where he met many lifelong friends. Through the years, he worked as a self-employed trucker, electrician, HVAC, and plumber. Most would consider him a jack of all trades, and he blessed many with his knowledge of the trades over the years. Gene enjoyed hunting, gardening, playing euchre, and most of all, doing projects around the house with his “Project Witch”, Donna. He loved listening to old music, playing guitar, perfecting recipes on the smoker, and spending time with his family. He spent many hours watching his nieces, Kenzi and Jordan, play softball, basketball, and tennis. He spoiled them constantly, and taught them how to drive, how to shoot a gun, and how to play guitar (he tried, at least). He treasured his time teaching and helping his nephew, Nathan, with home and automobile projects while enjoying his family’s visits, especially his sweet Norah. To many, he was known as “Uncle Gene”. To all, he could always be counted on for a sarcastic remark, a good laugh, and a cold beer.
A Celebration of Life with close friends and family will be held at a later date.