Donald A. Wheeler

Donald A. Wheeler, age 78 of Sanford passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2009 and is now with his heavenly Father. The son of the late James A. and Theresa (Rowe) Wheeler was born on October 31, 1930 in Mt. Pleasant and was educated in Olsen, North Bradley and Coleman. Don served with the Army from 1948 to 1951 and returned to Sanford where met and married the love of his life Colleen Farison on May 16, 1953. Don worked as a pipefitter/welder for the Dow Corning Corp for 38 years, retiring in 1989. He enjoyed Blue Grass, Country and Gospel music and loved to pick on his banjo with the Art Bashford Group. He was an avid reader, hunter and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, helped his wife deliver Meals on Wheels in the Sanford area for eight years and attended the Sanford First Baptist Church. He will be dearly missed and was a wonderful provider, hard worker and was always there when needed. He was a jack of all trades.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Colleen Wheeler and three daughters, Roxanne L. Wheeler of Sanford, Shelly (Ted) Eastman of Breckenridge, and Pam (Mark) Schneider of Sanford; six grandchildren, Jason (Naomi) Sommers, Jamie (Matt) Wendling, Laura Murray, Christina (Kurt) Richardson, Robby Tousignant and Andrew Potter; six great grandchildren, Kaylee, Madison, Bradee, Ashtin, Tyler and Zachary; sister-in-law, Roberta Stockton; special caring friends, Ron & Jane Fauver; and many nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Bonnie Smith; a brother, Bob Wheeler; and two infant sisters.

Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with the Reverend Roger Saltee, Pastor of Sanford First Baptist Church, officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm and on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Memorials may be offered to the Sanford First Baptist Church.