Wilford Mont Wheeler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.
Mont was born on August 6, 1937, in the small farming town of Milburn, Utah, to Isaac Wilford Wheeler and Merinda Jensen. Raised on the Wheeler family farm, Mont spent his youth working alongside his three sisters and two brothers. Together, they milked cows, fed turkeys, rode horses, and built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
He graduated from North Sanpete High School, where he loved singing in school operettas and playing basketball and football. His deep faith led him to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. Throughout his life, he continued serving faithfully in many church callings and especially loved coaching boys’ basketball teams in the church youth program.
On November 11, 1961, Mont married the love of his life, Barbara May Blackett, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together, they raised four children and built a life centered on faith, love, and family.
Over the years, Mont worked in a variety of roles, but one of his most rewarding was his time with the Utah Taxpayers Association. He was also well known throughout Sanpete County as the proud owner of Wheeler’s Drive-In—a beloved local landmark that holds cherished memories for many.
A proud member of the Utah Army Reserves, Mont believed in serving his country, church, and community. He especially enjoyed coaching his daughters in softball and supporting his children and grandchildren in all their pursuits. With a gentle spirit and quiet strength, Mont left a lasting impact through his kindness, humility, and the way he treated everyone with respect.
Mont’s greatest blessings in life were his children and his unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His deepest desire was to pass that faith on to his posterity—not just through words, but through the quiet example of a life filled with integrity, compassion, and service.
Mont is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; his four children and their spouses: Michael (Katerina) Wheeler, David (Julie) Wheeler, Debra (Phil) Gordon, and Lisa (Jared) Eliason; and 18 grandchildren 31 great-grandchildren who were the light of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac Wilford Wheeler and Merinda Jensen; his brother, Earl Wheeler; his sisters, Lavon Nelson and Donna Black; and one beloved grandson, Dylan Wheeler.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mount Pleasant North Stake Center. Viewings will be held Sunday, July 6, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and Monday morning, prior to the funeral, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. both also at the church.
Mont Wheeler leaves behind a legacy of quiet service, sincere faith, and unwavering devotion to family. He was a gentle soul who lived a good and meaningful life—one that will continue to inspire those he loved.
