Donald G. Wheeler

Son of Ralph A. and Mina Eldred Wheeler. Born in Oneonta on March 15, 1927. He attended Oneonta High School. Don, joined the Navy at age 17 and served on the USS Chester from 1944 - 1946. His ship was one of the first ships to arrive at Iwo Jima. Following his discharge he worked for the Oneonta Dairy Company. He may have been the last living resident to deliver milk in the city of Oneonta with horse and wagon. He was employed by Meridale Jersey Farms delivering throughout the area. He worked at Hartwick College for 23 years running the Duplicating Center, Switchboard and Mailroom, and retired in 1987.

Don met the love of his life, Loreen Gilmour, in 1946 shortly after leaving the service. They were married in Bloomville Methodist Church on July 26, 1949 and have spent over 63 wonderful years together. They had two children – James and Linda. James was killed during active duty in Vietnam in 1970.

Don enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing and boating. He and Loreen have many happy memories of times spent traveling with their RVs. Don and Loreen were both avid bowlers and continued bowling with the Elm Park Bowling Team right up until the end of 2012.

Don was well known for his skills in woodworking and making items from stained glass. He crafted much of the furniture and lamps in their home and donated many of his creations to the Elm Park Methodist Church craft bazaar. Don has been President of the Men’s Club, member of the Administrative Board and served as a Trustee at the Church. Don has been a member of the F&M Mason’s Association for over 60 years.

Don was President of the Plains Cemetery for many years and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity helping to build several of the homes in Otsego County. He also worked part-time for Bookhout’s Funeral Home after his retirement.

Don is survived by his wife, Loreen and his daughter Linda Natale. He has two grandsons, James and Kevin Natale, and 4 great-children, Alyssa, Christopher, Haley and Khloe. He is also survived by 2 nieces Eda (Dennis) Dorosky and Debra (Fabio) DeFrancesantonio one nephew Ralph Wheeler, several great-nieces and nephews and cousins. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his son James, brother Harold and sister Evelyn.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. There will be a Masonic Service at 6:30 PM. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta with the Reverend Olu Harding Officiating. Burial will follow in the Oneonta Plains Cemetery. Memorial donations in Don’s memory may be made to either the Elm Park United Methodist Church, 401 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, New York 13820 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, NortheasternNY Chapter, The Meadows, Suite 2, 140 County Highway 33W, Cooperstown, New York 13326.

To light a candle or send an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.