Matthew Wheeler Obituary

Matthew Allen-Anthony Wheeler
April 17, 1993 – June 26, 2022
Matthew was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 17, 1993, to Kimberly Showalter and Mark Wheeler. He has two brothers Ryan Showalter and Kyle Wheeler. They were not only his brothers, but his best friends, his confidantes, and the trifecta of whatever they could think. He grew up in Redford and resided in Redford upon his passing. Matt died tragically on Saturday, June 25 doing what he loved to do, riding his motorcycle. Matt lived his life to the fullest and will be forever missed by his family and his friends.
Matt loved music--all genres of music: from the classic rock sounds of Led Zepplin, Lynyard Skynyrd, and The Rolling Stones (sharing the love of their music with his Uncle Ken), the bluesy sound of The Black Keys, the traditional old country songs from Johnny Cash and even the California beachy sound of the Beach Boys, from which he acquired from his Dad. Matt discovered the alternative sound of Greta Van Fleet long before the Frankenmuth band became a success. He often sent messages to his Mom with different songs he had discovered and would play them for her banging on his truck sound system. Matthew had his music on constantly. He loved attending concerts being able to hear and see the groups he loved live in concert. In the last few years, he began collecting vinyl records to listen to them in their authentic sound on his record player. His current favorite artist was Juice WRLD. He had tattooed 999 on his arm representing the artist's quote " 999 is the inversion of 666 known as the 'mark of the beast. 999 represents taking whatever ill, whatever bad situation, whatever struggle you're going through and turning it into something positive to push yourself forward."
Anyone who knew Matthew knew his tattoo art was representative of him.
Matthew had a passion for video games and played every night. It gave him the opportunity to meet people online, some of whom became very close friends. One year after Thanksgiving dinner, Matt, Ryan, Kyle and Uncle Scott set up four TV's and four x-boxes in the living room to play the latest version of Call of Duty.
To say Matt was in adventurer is an understatement. He liked to explore old buildings, such as the Train Station, the Packard Plant and Northville Hospital. He found it very thrilling exploring and taking pictures and videos of his adventures. Always going off the beaten path.
Matt's biggest thrill came when he got his first motorized bike. He was about 14 years old, and it didn't run, but he was determined to get it to operate. He bought his first motorcycle about two years ago. It was a blue and white Suzuki. He got his first taste of the open road. Last year, he purchased a Harley and never looked back. He made many biker friends, younger and older and would never hesitate to ride with the pack. He was gifted his Guardian Bell and in turn gifted an angel to others.
He considered the city of Detroit his forever home. His first apartment was downtown, right on the river across from Belle Isle. On any given summer night, you could find Matt on his bike riding the streets of Downtown, experiencing the sights, sounds, people and food of Detroit, often cruising Belle Isle. Matt was an avid videographer and photographer. He strapped his phone into his chest mount, riding his bike and making videos. Ear buds in, camera on, in Detroit, riding his bike, eating great food was his perfect night.
Matthew was hard working, advancing quickly in every position he took on because of his work ethic and inquisitive nature. He would research the best way to do his job and would ask a million questions, often coming up with answers on his own.
Matthew had a generous and kind soul. He would help anyone in need and held a special place in his heart for the elderly, especially his grandmother. He cared for the environment. You would never catch him littering and he refused to drink from plastic straws after seeing a video of injured turtles. Matt purchased meaningful gifts for those he loved, especially his Mom. It didn't have to be a holiday. If Matt came across something he knew you would love he would gift it to you. Matt offered a listening ear, a supportive presence, a positive attitude and loving advice to all he met. He tried to never be disrespectful to others. He kept secrets and did not gossip. We will miss his huge bear hugs and "I love yous". A friend and brother to all.
Matt is survived by his mother Kimberly Showalter, his brothers, Ryan (Laresa Smith) Showalter and Kyle Wheeler, his nephew "Stink-key" Liam Wheeler. Also, by his "second mom", aunt Lora Showalter, his uncle, Ken Locke. cousins, Kenny Locke and Danielle (Steve) Wood. Also survived by His Dad's family, Danny (Donna) Wheeler, Madeline McBride, and Anthony McBride.
Matthew was preceded in death by his father, Mark Wheeler, his dear Ammer & Grandpa, Lynda and Herbert Showalter and their son, his uncle, Scott Showalter and his paternal uncle John McBride.
His love will be missed by his entire family and countless friends that turned into family including friends he met online
Fly High Matthew
May you rest in Peace.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 10th at 1:00 pm until Memorial Service at 4:00 pm at Charles Step Funeral Home 18425 Beech Daly (between 6-7 Mile Roads) in Redford 48240.
Celebration of Life to Follow.
Any donations can be made here and deeply appreciated by the family. All donations will go directly to Matt's family.