Merl E. "Gene" Wheeler Jr. , 84, of Lyndonville, died suddenly at his home Thursday morning May 6, 2010. He was born Sept. 17, 1925, in St. Johnsbury, the son of Merl and Gwendolyn (Sibley) Wheeler Sr. Gene served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy as a "Radioman Third Class" aboard the LST 841. After being discharged from the Navy he married Dale E. (Robinson) on July 26, 1946. He returned to the St. Johnsbury Trade School, where he graduated in 1947. For 30 years Gene owned and operated Wheeler's TV Sales and Service in St. Johnsbury Center, serving many loyal customers. A fisherman's fisherman, Gene fished his whole life in area streams, ponds, and lakes. He also enjoyed working in his flower and vegetable gardens, and is remembered for his hard work ethic. He was devoted to his wife and family. Gene was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dale, in 2009. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, David Rives. Survivors include his three daughters, Patricia Aubin and husband Gary of St. Johnsbury, Linda Whitehill and husband Denzil of Barnet, and Kathleen Rives of North Haverhill, NH; seven grandchildren, Bryan and Erik Aubin, Tony Whitehill, Emily Richter, Samuel Rives, Hanna Bingham, and Josiah Rives; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Floyd Wheeler and wife Doris of California, and Carroll Wheeler and wife Lois of St. Johnsbury; four sisters, Eleanor Skinner of St. Johnsbury, Clara Grabowski of St. Johnsbury, Myrle Leithead and husband Bob of St. Johnsbury, and Karlene Smith of Glover; his in-laws, Lynn and Dee Robinson of Texas, Florence Barnes of Connecticut, Mary Lamoray of Florida, and Bev Robinson of St. Albans; nieces and nephews. Friends may meet with the family Tuesday evening, May 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Guibord Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday May 12 at 1 p.m. at Guibord Funeral Home with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery. Donations made in Merl's memory may be directed and payable to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Attn. Jim Flynn, for the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, P.O. Box 905, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.