Bubba Wheat

It is with great sadness we announce the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Elvin "Bubba" Wheat passed away peacefully on October 30th, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.  He is survived by Karen, his wife of 51 years; children, Lori Elizabeth Wheat (Dawn Christine Wheat), Anne Wheat Adaway (Joseph “Joey” Lee Adaway), and James Elvin Wheat (Stacy McGee Wheat); and 5 grandchildren, Stephen Machen Cox, Elizabeth Christine Cox, Shannon Kelly Wheat, Owen James Wheat, and Joseph Lee "Bubba" Wheat.

Bubba lived an extraordinary life, never taking things for granted.  He gained a love for adventure and the outdoors in his early years, bear hunting in Canada, driving cattle with his grandfather, and flying Apache planes for his family at only 16.  His favorite quote was, "Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  He played football and basketball and was an active member of 4-H and FFA, where he learned some of the greatest life lessons responsibility, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

Bubba graduated from McNeese State University in 1970, where he was a member of the MSU Rodeo team.  He competed in some of the toughest rodeo events, bareback bronco and bull riding.  Bubba was described by many as a "gentle giant" who was rough around the edges but loved deeply.  He spent a lifetime loving the outdoors, sunsets, and his country.  But above all else, he treasured his family.  He was an active coach and teacher in his children's lives, forever their biggest fan.  He was considered to be a man of many words, larger than life, a fun-loving prankster with an oddball sense of humor, bringing laughter to everyone.

His passion in life was doing for others.  He was a charter member of the New Orleans Therapeutic Handicapped Riding Association, a 4-H judge/sponsor, and hosted the Jazz Fest Petting Zoo annually.  He was always available to help all those he knew.  Bubba was a "mover & a shaker."  Wherever Bubba saw a need, he went above and beyond to find a solution.  He had an unending ambition to make others happy! 

“I am ready to meet my maker.  Whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” -Winston Churchill

Visitation and memorial service will be at Jonson's funeral Home on Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 12 noon to 4 PM.  A Celebration of Life ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Heart Association at www.heart.org