Canton – Donald W. Wheeler, 83, of Canton passed away 10:55 am Friday, July 15, 2016 at his residence. He was born on September 20, 1932 in Canton to Wayman D. and Pauline H. (Harmon) Wheeler. Don married Karen Latimer on January 21, 1962 in Fairview, IL. She survives along with three children; Brian (Melanie) Wheeler of Germantown Hills, Brad Wheeler of Peoria, and Renee (Kevin) Beebe of Canton, one sister Marilyn Palmer of Albuquerque, NM, and five grandchildren; Christopher Wheeler, Tyler and Nicole Beebe, Charlie and Sally Shay. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Don was a diesel mechanic at Caterpillar Inc. for 40 years, retiring in 1991. His only vice seemed to be a lifetime addiction to racing, whether on four wheels or two. A charter member of the NHRA and the Gear Jammers, he successfully proved you can roll a Hudson Terraplane, a feat in and of itself… and walk away to tell about. He was a lifetime member of the Canton Motorcycle Club, continuing to race on local dirt tracks until the age of 74 when he finally retired from motorcycle racing.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 pm Monday, July 18, 2016 at the Fairview Reformed Church in Fairview. Following the Memorial Service at the church, there will be a Celebration of Life in the Fellowship Hall. Don became well acquainted with the dedicated and caring staff of the Fulton County Emergency Medical Association during the last few years. He would have preferred instead of flowers, that memorials be donated to them.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
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