INYOKERN, Calif. — Donald H. Wheeler of Inyokern, Calif., died unexpectedly April 15, 2009, at the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital in Ridgecrest, Calif.
Born Jan. 20, 1925, in Millersburg, Ohio, to Thomas and Florence (Hurst) Wheeler, Don was a graduate of Danville High School and OSU. He served with the U.S. Army Corps in 1943-46 as a staff sergeant and retired from the China Lake Naval Base in 1980 as a physicist.
He married Margaret Schaub on Dec. 21, 1947, in Greer, Ohio, and they had happily celebrated 61 years of marriage. Don was an active member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Ridgecrest and Boy Scouts of America among other local community groups. Throughout his 84 years he had proudly donated over 11 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross which would be used to save the live of others.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; his three sons, Paul (Kindi), Mark (Marcann), John (Theresa). He was also blessed with nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nieces, Pam Carter and Patti (Carter) Frazee of Mount Vernon; along with many extended family members.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his eldest son, Donald T. Wheeler.
Don’s unconditional love will always remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
His funeral service was held April 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Ridgecrest and a celebration of his life was held at a reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.