WHEELER, Donald "Hap"

Source: The Fountain County Neighbor, October 4, 2006, pg A3

ATTICA — Donald E. “Hap” Wheeler, 79, Attica, and a former resident of Paxton and Champaign, Ill., died at 5:50 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006 in Williamsport Health & Rehab Center. He was born Sept. 10, 1927 in Paxton, the son of Everett and Anna Hall Wheeler. He married Betty J. Kenner Feb. 2, 1949 at Searcy, Ark. She survives. He spent his early years in Ludlow and Paxton attending Ludlow schools and graduating from Paxton High School in 1946. While in school, he excelled in all sports. He worked as a railroad telegrapher, car salesman and was foreman over BSW at the University of Illinois. He and his wife moved to Attica in 2002. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a Cub fan, an Illini fan and enjoyed camping, all sports and going to Las Vegas with his family. Survivors, besides the wife, include: three sons, Donald (Vicki) Wheeler and Gary (Dixie) Wheeler, both of Champaign, and Fred C. Wheeler, Gifford; two daughters, Karen (Mel) Walts, Attica and Cathy (Bob) Thompson, Osmon; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Ford-Baier Funeral Home, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, Ill. with the Rev. John Davenport officiating. Memorials may be made to the Williamsport Health & Rehab Center, 200 Short St., Williamsport, Ind. 47993. – jlr