Charles Franklin Wheeler, Jr., age 70, a longtime Tryon resident passed from this life, Thursday , May 22, 2008 at the Stillwater Medical Center, Stillwater, Oklahoma.

He was born on March 5, 1938 in Ada, Oklahoma to the late Charles Franklin and Martha Ann Johnson Wheeler Sr.

Charles grew up in Webb City and the Ponca City area. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1956.

He was a rifleman in the United States Marine Corps from 1955 until 1963. He later joined the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 1998 after having obtained the rank of First Sergeant. Upon discharge from the United States Marines, he worked as a pipeline welder for ten years.

He obtained an associate degree from WestArk Community College in 1984. While there he won honorable mention in the national Moses Leo Gitelson essay contest resulting in a trip to Washington D.C., where the eight winners were congratulated by President Ronald Reagan.

Charles went on to achieve a Bachelor of Arts degree from Langston University.

He became an ordained minister in September of 1995 and watched over his flock at the First Christian Church in Tryon, Oklahoma until his departure from his earthly duties.

Charles received his entered apprentice in the Chandler Masonic Lodge #58. He was later raised to 32nd degree.

He is survived by his wife , Marcella June {Landes} Wheeler, who he married on June 3, 1959 on Nellis Air Force in Las Vegas, Nevada. To this union was added, Charles Anthony Wheeler and fiancée Josie; Corinna June Gebel {Wheeler}; Roderick Wade Wheeler and his wife Rochelle; and Bartley Bryon Wheeler and wife Cindy; two sisters, Barbara Strome; and Nancy Barnett and husband Jim; one brother, Larry Joe Wheeler and wife Barbara; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, the 27 of May, at the Tryon First Christian Church.

Interment will follow at the Billings Union Cemetery, Billings, Oklahoma. Full military honors will be presented.

Family request that memorials be made to the Kidney Foundation.