Charles Dona Wheeler of Ashland, Ky., peacefully left this world surrounded by loved ones early Nov. 11, 2010, at his residence. He was 81.
Charlie was born April 24, 1929, in Paintsville, Ky.
An adoring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Kathryn Phillips Wheeler of Ashland; sons Dr. Charles Phillip Wheeler Sr. and wife Robin of Pikeville, Ky., Clark Vaughan Wheeler of Charleston, S.C., Dr. Dana Wesley Wheeler and partner James Cooper of Charleston, S.C., and Laurence Edward Wheeler and wife Theresa Marlene of Pikeville, Ky.; daughters Leslie Wheeler Cornett and husband Michael L. of Lexington, Ky., and Leigh Ann Wheeler Mullins and husband Vernon of Flatwoods, Ky.; brothers Jack Wesley Wheeler of Paris, Ky., Anthony Sparks (Barbara) Wheeler of Flatwoods, Ky., and Richard Roscoe (Patricia) Wheeler of Ashland, Ky.; and a sister, Lois Ann Wheeler (George) Early of Ashland, Ky.
Charles was Papa to his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandchildren are Charles Phillip Wheeler Jr., Brandon Boggs Wheeler, Ashley Elizabeth Wheeler, Kevin Cornett and Kyle Cornett, Robbie Clark, Elijah Mullins, Ramsey Mullins and Whitney Kay Cannoy and great-grandchildren are Martin O. Wheeler Lopez and Tristan Lopez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dona W. and Dora Lois Vaughan Wheeler.
A successful businessman and land developer of Southern Hills Estates, Charlie was president of Wheeler-Williams Hardware from 1962-2000. Always committed to the service of his country and others, Charlie was very active in the Republican Party and served as an Ashland city commissioner at the age of 28 before being elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives, where he served for eight years. Charlie was a member of the Morehead University Board of Regents for 10 years and was instrumental in finding the location for the Boyd County Emergency Ambulance Service built both on U.S. 60 and Greenup Avenue.
A graveside service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum Chapel by the Rev. Mark Kloha. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park.
There will be no public visitation.
Steen Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to the Army Wounded Warrior Program, Soldier Family Assistance Center, 2703 Michigan Ave., Fort Campbell, KY42223.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
