Dee Estes Wheeler

Dee Estes Wheeler of Hawkins, Texas passed away on July 14, 2023, in Tyler, Texas.

Dee was born to Dee Wheeler Sr. and Eva Wheeler (McRae) on October 26, 1947, in Austin, Texas. He was a veteran of the US Army, a graduate of Texas Tech University, and a graduate of the Fort Worth Police and Fire Academy. Dee had a 35-year career as a firefighter and paramedic for the Fort Worth Fire Department. Upon his retirement from Fort Worth, he continued to work in fire service, helping with several full-time departments and paid positions within corporations. He also helped with small-town Volunteer Fire Departments such as Hawkins VFD by providing mentorship and encouragement to the firefighters. The Notable moments in his career included responding to the call from his fellow firefighters after the tragic bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. He also responded to the call for help in New York after the attack on September 11. He also fondly recalled the more tender moments he experienced in his career, he lost count after the first 25 babies he delivered in some of the most impoverished neighborhoods of the city he loved and protected. In addition to his service, Dee will be remembered for his love of gardening and his skills as a carpenter.

In 2007 Dee married Karen Hubbard in Bella Vista, Arkansas. In 2011 they purchased some land on Lake Hawkins in Texas with plans to build their dream home. Sadly, Karen preceded Dee in death in 2014. Today, Dee is survived by Frankie Stout, his love and companion for the last several years; daughter Ann Marie Still, grandchild Gavin Still, mother-in-law June Hubbard, sister Suzanne Wheeler-Gibbs, cousin Lane McRae, and his son Patrick and wife Heather.

You are invited to join Dee’s family, the Men and Women of the Fort Worth Fire Department, the Hawkins Volunteer Fire Department, and first responders from other agencies in the area at a memorial service in his honor. The service will be held Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at 11:00AM at the Hawkins Volunteer Fire Station in Hawkins, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Dee Wheeler to the Hawkins Volunteer Fire Department at: P.O. Box 329, Hawkins, Texas 75765.