Page 31 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Summer 2019- Online Magazine

now visited all complications after being thrown
as a Lieutenant Commander. The
couple loved their life together,
especially after son Clayton was
born in 1963. Tragically, they lost a
son in 1965 after Ilona had carried
him to full term.
The young family moved to
Odessa, and Ed began his career
as a chemist in the oilfields. After
moving to Dallas in 1970, the
unthinkable happened – a baby
daughter died just as she was about
to be born. Someone recommended
a doctor, the head of the OB Dept.
at Southwestern Medical School,
who monitored Ilona through
a subsequent
pregnancy. The
Wheelers were
delighted when,
thanks to his care,
Katherine was born
in 1973.
Ilona earned her
Special Education
certification and
went on to teach for
almost 20 years. She
went on to work for
Southwest Airlines. “What a fun
job!” she remembered. It enabled
them to take many trips; they have
50 U.S. states. Ed from a horse. The loss was almost
even realized his unbearable. “The hardest thing I’ve
lifelong dream of ever done is to write an obituary
becoming a pilot, for my child,” says her mother,
earning his license who misses “everything about
in 1980. They her.” Ed agrees, saying, “You never
owned their own get over it.” Katherine’s beauty, her
plane for many art, her gifted flute-playing, and
years. Their son her life won’t be forgotten. But she
Clay earned his left her parents three wonderful
Ph.D. in Chemical grandchildren and three great-
Engineering grandchildren.
and teaches at
the University The couple has experienced great
of Maine. He and his wife joy in their 57 years together,
have blessed Ed and Ilona as well as tremendous sorrow.
with three talented and lovely But they have walked through it
granddaughters. together. They agree that “true
friendship is the basis of all lasting
When Ed retired, the Wheelers relationships,” and they are living
moved to Raton, where they lived proof.
until 2016. But tragedy struck
again, when Ilona’s younger The Wheelers have lived in many
brother Randal was hit by a bus places; in fact, they have moved 27
right in front of Parkland Hospital. times during their marriage. But
The beloved nurse was mourned they are finally settling into their
by countless patients and staff last home. “This is it,” Ed says, and
whom he had touched in his 33 then adds thoughtfully, “except for
years of service there. And then, that one last move.” Ilona credits
before they had finished grieving Amarillo realtor Donna Alexander
her beloved brother, Katherine, the with helping them find just the
Wheelers’ miracle right place. They have finally come
baby, died at the full circle, and “it feels good.”
age of 43, following
Amarillo Senior Link 31