Steve Wheatley

Steve lived a life with his glass perpetually half full. His ability to meet every situation with optimism - no matter how challenging - inspired those around him. His bright blue eyes, genuine smile and contagious laughter could brighten any room. Steve truly enjoyed life, loved his family, and had an unparalleled sense of humor that led everyone to laugh every time they saw him, no matter what.

Steve was born on January 2nd, 1947, in Vincennes, Indiana. He was raised by his beloved mother, Geneva Hart, and his grandparents, Edith and Everett Small, in Jasper, Indiana. In high school, his family relocated to Fallon, Nevada. During his high school years, Steve had a passion for cars and street racing. He was a founding member of his street racing group called “The Hurricams.” He was learning to race dragsters when the Vietnam War began. From there, Steve chose to enroll in college in California, and left his professional racing career behind.

In the mid-1960s, Steve moved to Alhambra, California with his mother, sisters, Carol and Bonna, and his brother, Michael. Here, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Fullerton. After graduating, he became a manager at J.C. Penney, where he went on to open a series of retail locations across Southern California. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Upland, where he lived for the rest of his life. Upon a chance encounter with his neighbor, he founded the Cincinnati Kid handbag company. His award-winning handbags were featured in prominent fashion magazines and sold in large retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales throughout the 1970s.

In 1984, Steve co-founded Stephen Daniels Commercial Brokerage alongside his business partner, Dan Richards. Stephen Daniels became the premier commercial brokerage and land developer in the Inland Empire throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, helping to develop much of Rancho Cucamonga, Etiwanda, and Fontana as you see it today. Steve continued as a commercial broker and land developer with his business partner, Robert Jimenez, until his death.

Steve enjoyed off-roading in his Jeep, boating at Lake Mojave, and taking road trips across the country. These activities allowed for time with family, which is what he cared about most of all. Steve was the definition of a family man, and a girl dad. His three daughters and his granddaughter meant the world to him, and he showed them how proud he was of them any chance he could.

Steve is preceded in death by his mother, Geneva, and his older brother, Michael, and survived by his two sisters, Carol Guerra and Bonna Garcia, his daughters, Kristen, Erin and Jordan Wheatley, and his granddaughter - the light of his life - Keira Wheatley.

Reception to follow after the service, all are welcome to come and celebrates Steve's life at

Upland Hills Country Club 1231 E 16th St, Upland, CA 91784.