James O. Wheat

James Orus Wheat, son of the late Noah and Ethel (Williams) Wheat, was born on April 30, 1926 in Douglas County, Missouri, and departed this life on Thursday, January 25, 2007 in the White River Medical Center in Batesville, Arkansas following a long illness. He was 80 years, 8 months, and 25 days of age.
James grew up and attended school in Douglas County. He was united in marriage to Eunice Smith on July 29, 1944 in West Plains, Missouri. Two sons were born to this union: Kenneth James and Ricky Allen.
James served his country in the United States Army during World War II and was honorably discharged on July 8, 1946 at a Sergeant. The family made their home on a farm near Vanzant in Douglas County where he enjoyed working with h is cattle and horses. He and Eunice had lived in Batesville, Arkansas for the past year.
He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and neighbor. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother: Don Crawford Wheat; and by one sister, Vera Mae Lovan.
He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-two years: Eunice Wheat of their home; two sons and daughters-in-law: Kenneth and Linda Wheat of Sparta, Missouri, and Rick and Penny Wheat of Mount Pleasant, Arkansas; three grandchildren: Lisa Shortt and her husband, Gary of Sparta, Missouri, James Wheat and his wife, Kensey of Mount Pleasant, Arkansas, and Robert Wheat and Eva of Mount Pleasant, Arkansas; two great-granddaughters: Casey and Jessica Shortt, both of Sparta, Missouri; one brother: B.E. “Jack” Wheat of Vanzant, Missouri; several nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for James Wheat were held Wednesday, January 31, 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel with Rev. Ronald Baney officiating. Jared Moore sang “As The Life Of A Flower,” accompanied by Rhonda Hurtt. Other song selection was “Daddy’s Hands.” Pallbearers were James Wheat, Robert wheat, Gary Shortt, Earl Smith, Don Smith, and Lee Van Easter. Full military honors were given at the cemetery by the American Legion Post #30 with Jared Moore serving as bugler. Burial was in the Vanzant cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, MO.