Richard "Tom" Wheeler

Richard "Tom" Wheeler, age 84, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025. He was born July 9, 1941 in Nashville, TN to Ollie & Dorothy Wheeler. Tom was a Veteran in the US Navy. Tom started his Law Enforcement career with Winter Haven Police Department, he worked thru the ranks and became the Chief of Police after 19 years. During his time at Winter Haven, Tom attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA and graduated in 1975. He then was the Chief Investigator at the Public Defender's Office and for the State Attorney Office. After his time at State Attorney Office, Tom then went to be the Chief of Police for Haines City, where through his leadership became the first accredited agency in the 10th Judicial Circuit.. Tom finished his career with Polk County Sheriff's Office as the background investigator. He was a member of the Edgewood Church of Christ in Lakeland. Tom was a lifetime member of International Association Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, Inc, American Legion, Polk County Police Chiefs Association and he was an Instructor at the Polk Community College Police Academy.. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Diane Wells and two brothers Eddie Wheeler & Fred Wheeler. Tom is survived by his daughter Cheryl Anne Register of Bartow, sister Barbara Miller of Belington, WV, two grandsons Matthew Register & Joshua Register, four great grandchildren Dawson, Boone, Beau & Tyler, companion Jackie Dugger and numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends. Family will receive friends Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, 650 E. Main Street in Bartow, FL. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Edgewood Church of Christ, 1815 E. Edgewood Drive in Lakeland, FL. Burial will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com