Frederick (Fred) Louis Wheat, Jr., 85, of Manassas, VA, passed away on May 8, 2021, with his wife by his side. Fred was born on August 9, 1935, in Columbus, OH, to the late Frederick Wheat, Sr. and Margaret Wheat and had an idyllic upbringing with his loving parents and three sisters.

Fred never met a stranger and never failed to talk anyone’s ear off. Quite the storyteller and jokester, he was as sociable as they come. He was an enthusiastic Ohio State Buckeyes fan, had a penchant for gambling and enjoyed country music, especially Johnny Cash, and of course, Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler.” He didn’t drink or smoke, but had a voracious sweet tooth. Above all, what brought him the most joy in life was his family, of which he was immensely proud. His life’s focus was on caring for them and he worked hard to do so.

Fred graduated from Aquinas College High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960. In 1968, he took a job with Western Bell in Vietnam. It is there that he met and married Nancy. In 1975, he returned to the U.S. with an 8-month pregnant wife and three young children, settling back in Columbus, OH. Together, they built a beautiful legacy of children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Carolyn Latimer and Susan Wheat, and brother-in-law Arthur Scherer.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Wheat, as well as his son, Joseph (Patty) Wheat; daughters, Gina (Doug) Grinkemeyer, Margaret (Mike) Halewski, Linda (Jeff) Salkas; and 11 grandchildren: Chelsea, Brandon, Shane, Austin, Nathan, Cassandra, Sean, Sophie, Evelyn, Isabelle and Grayson. He is also survived by his sister, Judith Scherer and brother-in-law Robert Latimer and extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his humility, kindness, and humor.

Relatives and friends may visit on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Baker-Post Funeral Home, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA 20110. Service will be at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172.

To honor Fred, those who wish can kindly make a donation to their favorite charity in his name. To share memories and extend condolences visit www.bakerpostfh.com.