WHEELER, EARL S., JR. - June 9, a man who loved BMW motorcycles, 1960 Porsches and our mother Pat Hernacki, died. Our Mother and Earl were an "Item and Life Partners" for over 42 years. They met as teachers at Melbourne High School, where he taught art for 38 years. Dates included hiking in the Appalachia Mountains and Grand Tetons. Motorcycling to Lake Placid. Earl was one of the creators and co-sponsors for the Mel-Hi rowing program. Earl continued sponsoring and attending regattas with Mom till she retired in 1996. Together they became masters of Japanese sword fighting, weaving, sailing, enamel work, and bikes. Earl was an accomplished artist in many mediums, including water colors, acrylics, jewelry, stained glass and etching. He was always present beside Mom and supporting her through the school events, Christmas shopping, and camping vacations with her five children. The five who survive Earl are: Kelly, she now owns her own motorcycle and works on the Grammys. T.R., his wife Lisa with grandchildren Scott, Sarah and Nicholas; he continues to row, while owning an engineering business. Kevin, who still has a dedication to martial arts and is studying engineering in Europe. Timothy and his wife Kelly; he pursued a degree in photography and just finished designing and building his own home. Friday he will be deployed to the Middle East. And Samantha, accomplished in the bar and restaurant business, she learned perseverance and dedication. Even as Alzheimer's ravaged his brain Earl continued to be Mom's knight. With our sister Samantha's care, he was able to live out his final years with Mom. A hospice doctor commented he was amazed Earl was able to stay home for as long as he did. For this we owe a tribute to our sister Samantha. We will celebrate Earl's life on: Monday, July 13 at 4pm, Fountainhead Memorial Funeral Home, 7303 Babcock Street, SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32909, 321-727-3977. In lieu of flowers please send a donation in Earl's name to either: the Mel-High Crew, The Brevard Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 974, Melbourne, Florida 32902 - note on the memo line it is for Mel-High Crew in Earl's name www.melhicrew.com/wishlist.html or Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation www.brevardalzheimers.org