Wayne Lee Wheat, a lifelong resident of Dayton, Ohio, was born June 23, 1943 to the late William J. and Thelma Wheat. 

Wayne is a product of the Dayton Public School System and a 1961 Roosevelt High School graduate. Wayne announced very early in life that his aspiration was to serve the community as a funeral director. Motivated by his desire to learn the funeral home business, Wayne started learning his craft while still in high school working as a funeral home attendant under the tutelage of the late C. Joseph McLin, Sr., of the McLin Funeral Home. In the fall of 1961, he entered Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio to obtain training in business administration. He continued

His education by enrolling into the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science. There he served as a class officer and graduated in September 1965 (Wayne Wheat, Graduation 1965 Pictured to left). Mr. Wheat also received experience at the Donald Waterson Funeral Home in Cleveland during the summers of 1962 and 1963, as well as the Houston Funeral Home in Cincinnati.

On July 31, 1965, Mr. Wheat married the former Dorothy J. Stephens, daughter of the late James late Eva Stephens of Dayton. Afterwards, Mr. Wheat returned to the McLin Funeral Home to serve his apprenticeship under C.J. McLin, Jr.

Through the sacrifice of Wayne’s parents, his dream of opening a funeral home became a reality. When Wayne was a child, his father moved the family from the DeSota Bass Courts to 106 North Williams Street.  The elder Mr. Wheat, a realtor, worked to convert the home from a family dwelling to a funeral home on the lower level, accommodating a chapel, office space, small reception area and preparation room. Wayne, Dorothy and their two small sons (pictured below) occupied the upper level as living quarters. The House of Wheat opened its doors at the Williams Street location on February 19, 1969.  (Pictured to the right)

Immediately, the House of Wheat became a household name as many citizens came to call upon Wayne Wheat in their time of need. Wayne’s charismatic personality coupled with his solid business sense has been a driving force in the success of the House of Wheat funeral home and has enabled him to gain the respect and support of the community. Mr. Wheat states, “Our aim is to provide quality service that satisfies the needs of our families and to give them the beneficial support that through sincere sympathy and compassion will be of comfort to them. The House of Wheat endeavors to convey their goal of providing exceptional service to all.”

As the House of Wheat began to flourish, it outgrew its Williams Street location.  In March of 1988, renovation of the facility located at 2107 N. Gettysburg Avenue began. In January of 1989, the House of Wheat Funeral Home moved into its newly renovated facility.

The House of Wheat funeral home is a family-owed and operated business.  Ms. Dorothy Wheat has made tremendous contributions to the House of Wheat.  She is to be commended for providing her great management and technical skills to the business. She was also the architect behind the beautiful interior decor of the new facility.  Sons, Tony and Stacey, are also integral members of the House of Wheat. They serve as funeral directors and embalmers. Anthony holds the position of Vice President and Stacey holds the position as second Vice President.

The House of Wheat Funeral Home understands the importance of community service.  Mr. Wheat has provided many job opportunities to people who live in the community.   He has also provided several people to train under him.  Among those people are David Winn, who served as an apprentice, and is now in business for himself in Oklahoma.

Wayne is grateful to almighty God, his wife, sons, parents, and many employees and colleagues for the contributing to the success of the House of Wheat.

Wayne L Wheat, President

Wayne A Wheat, First Vice President

Wm. Stacey Wheat,  Second Vice President