GALESBURG — Charles E. “Charlie” Wheeler, 85, of rural Galesburg, passed away peacefully in his home at 3:26 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on November 20, 1940, in Thayer, Kansas. He was the son of Ernest and Leona (Dowell) Wheeler. Charlie grew up at Thayer and attended Thayer schools, graduating from Thayer High School in 1958. He attended one year of junior college at Chanute and then worked in construction for four years before starting at Bush Hog at Galesburg in December 1963. He worked in several capacities at Bush Hog before becoming the Plant Manager in 1971 and served in that role until the plant closed in 1986. Following the closure, Charlie worked as a territory sales representative for Bush Hog from 1986 until his retirement in 2006.
Throughout his life, Charlie was known for his wit, leadership skills, eagerness to take care of others, and a deep devotion to his family. His genuine care for others left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Charlie was a devoted husband, loving dad to his children, and a perfect papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were the greatest joy of his life. Charlie married the love of his life, Barbara Dulavey, on May 20, 1961, at the Galesburg Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara, of the home.; his son, Donnie Wheeler (Michael) of Joplin; his daughters, Donna Bates (Jim) of Galesburg, and Denise Brooner (Brian) of Claremore, OK; his grandchildren, Peter Bates (Brandon), Kerri Jackson (Derek), Jonathan Bates (Mary Kate), Hannah Van Cleave (Kyler), Hope Van Cleave (Marshall), and Addison Van Cleave (Dakota); his great-grandchildren, Boaz Jackson, Elijah Jackson, Shiloh Bates, Charley Bates, and Dawson Pease; 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, Ed, and Stan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons with the Reverend Dr. Stan Basler officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Galesburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday evening. Memorials are suggested to the Galesburg United Methodist Church or the Galesburg Relief Fund, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www. wallfuneralservices.com.
