Donald Laverne Wheeler Jr., 22, died fighting in Iraq Monday. He was the second in his family to die in combat, his uncle barring the same name died fighting in the Korean War.
Wheeler Jr., known as "D.J." enlisted in the Army following Sept. 11.
He was one of 12 children in the Wheeler Family.
His parents and loved ones described him as loving with a wonderful sense of humor and a consistent joker.
The family awaits the delivery of his body, which they hope to receive next Monday as they begin plans for a funeral.