Gerald Richard Wheat, loving husband and father, and lifelong Presbyterian minister, died October 14, 2024, at his residence in Nashville, Tennessee.
Born February 9, 1930, in Hamden, New York, he is preceded in death by his parents Irving and Elsie Wheat of Hamden, New York; his brothers Ralph, Donald, Carlton, and Bruce; and his wife of 65 years, Mildred Rebecca Vorhis Wheat.
He is survived by his brother George (Fran) in Grand Island, Nebraska; four children and their spouses: Don (Ann), Doug (Patti), Becky Portier (Fred) and Debby Lelansky (Craig); nine grandchildren and their spouses: Chris Wheat (Elizabeth), Katy Borhauer (Peter), Adam Portier (Nicole), Erin Haught, Christine Finnegan (Ryan), Joel Portier (Vita), Alex Lelansky (Krista), Jenny Crawmer (Steven), and Dan Lelansky; thirteen great-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Delaware Academy in Delhi, NY, Maryville College in Maryville, TN, and Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA.
In his many years as a United Presbyterian minister, he served the following congregations: Grove United Presbyterian Church, West Middletown, Pennsylvania; Westminster Presbyterian Church, New Concord, Ohio; First Presbyterian Church, Belle Center, Ohio; First Presbyterian Church, Washington Court House, Ohio; and Greenwich Presbyterian Church, Nokesville, Virginia.
After his retirement to Arlington, Virginia, he was active in congregational life at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church, and National Presbyterian Church.
He was always known for his strong commitment to pastoral care, his community service including Kiwanis activities and Chaplain for the Washington City Council, his quick wit, a lifelong love of gardening and music, his many collections, and his curated collection of jokes (some of which showed up in sermons). He will be missed by all who knew him.
A private family interment and celebration of his life is planned at a later date in Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin, New York. Please send condolences and sharing of thanks for his life to The Wheats, 1813-A Shackleford Road, Nashville, Tennessee, 37215.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to other worthy causes.
