Don Miller Wheeler

1929-2011

Don Miller Wheeler passed from this life on May 29, 2011, leaving all those who loved him with an abundance of beautiful memories. The 82 years of his life brimmed over with countless adventures, remarkable projects and boundless generosity.

Born to J.K. and Mary Miller Wheeler in Salt Lake City Utah on January 13, 1929, he is survived by sisters Lora Jeanne Wheeler, Mary Beth Benson and brother Richard K. Wheeler (Linda).

A bright star with twinkling blue eyes and a mischievous grin, he graduated from both East High School and The University of Utah with a fierce love for the colors of red and white. In 1948, he sailed to England to serve as a missionary in Oxford. On his mission, Elder Wheeler met the enchanting Sister Dona Faye Clark. A year after their return to the states, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 7, 1951. Don left Salt Lake for two years to serve in the U.S. Air Force as an aerial photographer and they were stationed in New Mexico. He returned to Utah to help his father, J.K. Wheeler, with the machinery business that would later become his lifelong career. He acted as President and CEO of Wheeler Machinery and ICM with his partner and dear friend Lyle Campbell. Later he was a consultant to H&E Equipment. In Salt Lake, Don and Dona enjoyed a bounty of blessings with their wonderful friends and neighbors in the Canyon Rim and Olympus Stake. He and Dona hosted parties at their cabin in Kamas, vacations to the Oregon and California coasts, and summers at Lake Powell. They loved trips to St. George in Southern Utah, and delighted in the majesty of nature. Their family grew from five daughters, Susan Holt (Bob), Alison Jensen (Russell), Rebecca Davis (Scott), Kathy Younker (Norman), and Connie Wheeler to include 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Don's dedication through the years to expanding his business took him on many travels, in which he fostered great friendships. His community benefited from his service in Rotary International, The Federal Reserve Board of San Francisco, PacifiCorp and various other boards.

He carried the philanthropic torch lit by J.K. to better the lives of his fellow Americans, sharing each of his gains with his ever-growing circle of family and friends. His great passion in life was to do good.

In his later years, Don employed all his courage and strength to staying active in his church and business, despite great physical hardships. At 74, he was the oldest man in the United States to undergo and survive a successful heart transplant with help from dear Dorothy Brown, his eight and one half year care-taker, gin rummy partner and friend. Without complaint, he endured several surgeries to win his battle against Melanoma. Determined to live his life to the fullest, he honed his razor-sharp wit and keen sense of humor, continuing to charm anyone lucky enough to make his acquaintance.

A beloved father, brother, grand and great-grandpa, and friend. We will truly miss his hearty laughter and warm hospitality.

His was, indeed, a wonderful life.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 3rd, 11:00 am at Olympus First Ward chapel, 4100 S. Camille St. (2522 E.) Friends and family may call Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, or Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00, prior to services at the ward. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.