Wheeler Ewing Sr. was born on September 23, 1925 in Prairie Mississippi from the union of the late Willie Ewing and Leah Blanchard-Ewing. He was preceded in death by both parents, his wife Malissia Ewing, his eldest son Wheeler Ewing Jr, and all of his siblings.

Wheeler confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Baptist Grove Missionary Baptist in Prairie, MS where he also attended school. He enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country well. Wheeler was united in holy matrimony to Malissia Leatherwood. To this union, seven children were born. They moved from Mississippi to East St. Louis, IL over 71 years ago. He landed a job at the United States Army Engineer Depot in Granite City, IL where he gave 25 years of service and then decided that he wanted to go in business for himself.

In 1964, his vision became a reality. Ewing's janitorial service was born. Wheeler ate, drank, and slept his beloved janitorial business. He had many contracts throughout the city of East St. Louis and as far as Mt. Vernon, IL. Aside from his business he loved to play checkers. He was featured in the Belleville New Democrat where the headlines read "Making Moves". Mr. Ewing was a person of good moral character that loved helping people in his community. On December 24, 1985, Mr. Ewing had a stroke and retired from his business. His daughter Mary and her brother Jerome Ewing continued her father's dream for over 15 years.

Mr. Ewing departed from this life on May 9, 2021 on Mother's Day. He leaves to cherish his memory, Lew Mack Ewing (the late Colleen Ewing) of East St. Louis, IL; Mary (Theotric) Jackson of Shiloh, IL; Jerome Ewing of East St. Louis, IL, Ada --Ann (the late Lamarian Gates Sr.) of East St. Louis, IL, Willis Ewing of East St. Louis, IL and Jacqueline (William) Thomas of Kansas City, MO; also 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.