DONALD “DON” WILBUR WHEELER

Donald “Don” Wilbur Wheeler passed away Nov. 15, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 19, 1944, in the family home north of Aurora; the son of Wilbur and Rachel (Suttles) Wheeler.
He graduated from Aurora High School in the class of 1962 and shortly after graduating met the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Verch. They married in 1965 and had a daughter, Donna, and a son Rodger.
He worked as a car salesman for Fred Engle and John Conrad Chevrolet in his early career before taking over the family business, Wheeler Furniture. In his spare time, He developed a passion in collecting and restoring classic cars. He and Pat were members of the Classic Chevy Club of Springfield.
He and Pat attended and served at Aurora First Baptist Church where they were longtime members.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat; a daughter, Donna (Bill) Hillman of Battlefield; a son, Rodger (Rhonda) Wheeler of Aurora; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joyce Johnson of Lakeway, Texas and Connie (Ron) Hagewood of Branson West; three step-brothers, Gary (Paula) Parks of Springfield, Jerry (Cinda) Parks of Republic, and Jamey (Sharon) Parks of Republic.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Mina Wheeler; and brother-in-law, Charles Johnson.
Visitation and funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 20, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora. Burial followed at the Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora.