Charles E. “Charlie” Wheeler, 85, of rural Galesburg, passed away peacefully at his home at 3:26 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Charlie was born Nov. 20, 1940, in Thayer, Kansas, the son of Ernest and Leona (Dowell) Wheeler. He was raised in Thayer and graduated from Thayer High School in 1958. He attended one year of junior college in Chanute before working in construction for four years.
In December 1963, Charlie began his career at Bush Hog in Galesburg. He worked in several capacities before being named plant manager in 1971, a position he held until the plant closed in 1986. Following the closure, he continued his career with Bush Hog as a territory sales representative until retiring in 2006.
Throughout his life, Charlie was known for his quick wit, strong leadership, and genuine care for others. He was devoted to his family and found his greatest joy in being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
On May 20, 1961, Charlie married the love of his life, Barbara Dulavey, at the Galesburg Christian Church. They shared 64 years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Wheeler, of the home; a son, Donnie Wheeler (Michael) of Joplin; two daughters, Donna Bates (Jim) of Galesburg and Denise Brooner (Brian) of Claremore, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, Peter Bates (Brandon), Kerri Jackson (Derek), Jonathan Bates (Mary Kate), Hannah Van Cleave (Kyler), Hope Van Cleave (Marshall), and Addison Van Cleave (Dakota); and five great-grandchildren, Boaz Jackson, Elijah Jackson, Shiloh Bates, Charley Bates, and Dawson Pease.
He is also survived by three sisters, Sara Essig, Mary Stevenson, and Sue Bean; two brothers, Gary Wheeler and Steve Wheeler; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Glen Wheeler, Ed Wheeler, and Stan Wheeler.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons, with the Rev. Dr. Stan Basler officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Galesburg. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Galesburg United Methodist Church or the Galesburg Relief Fund and may be left at or mailed to Carson- Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be shared at www. wallfuneralservices.com.
