Carroll Wheat

(From Parker Mortuary)

Carroll Gene Wheat, known as CG in his younger years and Papa in his later years, passed away October 23, 2026, in Carthage MO, at age 88.

He was born on July 19, 1938, in Carthage MO, to the late John and Myrtle (King) Wheat. On Dec, 31, 1971 Carroll married the love of his life, Ramona (Nichols) Wheat, and they shared 49 years of marriage together. While he started and ended his stay here on earth in Carthage, Carroll and Ramona raised their family in Joplin, where he lived the majority of his life.

Carroll graduated from Carthage High School with the 1956 class and later attended Rolla School of Mines where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. His education reflected the intelligence, discipline, and determination that would guild him through his life and career.

He devoted more than 43 years of his professional life to EaglePicher Technologies. During that time, he and his fellow crew members were part of the design and build team that produced batteries for the Apollo moon landing missions, a contribution that stands as a remarkable part of American history. He and a few others even scratched their names on the inside casing of a battery that still sits on the moon today! His name will forever be on the moon.

Carroll was a Christian whose faith saw him through many trials, He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was always willing to help others or share fellowship with anyone who welcomed him. He volunteered at the Joplin City Jail for over 20 years where he shared fellowship with those who may have experienced a difficult season in life.

Carroll is survived by his three children, Tammy DeVine and Matthew of Carthage, MO, Mark Wheat of Joplin, MO, and Dana Wheat of Joplin MO. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Wheat and Brenda of Joplin, MO, along with 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed his time with his grandchildren who only knew him as Papa.

In addition to his parents and wife, Carroll was preceded in death by three brothers and two grandsons.

Carroll will be remembered as a loving, intelligence, and giving man whose life was marked by faith, family, and service. He gave generously of his time, his knowledge, and his heart, and he leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength and steadfast devotion. His life touched many, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Psalms 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

A celebration of life service will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Journey Church starting at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends before services begin at 12 p.m. and continue until 1 p.m.