John Penn Wheat, Jr.

John entered into rest and into the arms of the Lord on the evening of January 6, 2025, after battling heart and lung disease for many years.

John was born on March 17th, 1952, to John (Jack) and Charlotte Wheat in Tracy, CA. He had a younger brother named Joseph.

John’s dad was in the U.S. Army during John’s younger years, so he spent a lot of time moving from state to state. Once his dad retired from the Army, they settled in Modesto. This is where John finished high school in 1970 and started attending Modesto Junior College. He was working part time at the Arco gas station in Modesto while attending college. This is where he met his future wife, Linda.

John began his career with International Paper Co. in Modesto in 1971 as well as enlisting in the U.S. Army National Guards, where he served 13 ½ years.

On July 8th, 1972, John married Linda, and they settled in the Modesto/Ceres area.

John was an avid bass fisherman for many years and fished bass tournaments every chance he got. He enjoyed camping with family and going to fish camp with his dad and family every year and taking his nephews, Aaron and Jeremy out in his boat.

In January 1989, Ryan was born and brought a whole new meaning to their world.  A precious gift!

In 1995, John accepted a new job in Hanford! In 1996 his family moved to Hanford to be with him. Later in the years, John gained a ‘daughter’ Brittany, when she married Ryan. Together they made John a very proud Papa to Oliver and Cassidy. He was the best Papa ever and loved to spoil them every chance he got…every time he went to the store, which was often.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John (Jack) and Charlotte Wheat, brother, Joseph Wheat and his nephew, Aaron Foust.

John is survived by his wife, Linda of 52 years, son, Ryan, daughter in law, Brittany, grandson, Oliver, granddaughter, Cassidy Wheat, sister-in-law, Karen Phipps, nephews, Jeremy Foust (Tammy) and Cameron Phipps and many cousins and friends, all whom he loved dearly.

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