Charles E. Wheeler

Charles Eugene “Chuck” Wheeler, age 93, was called home on Thursday, November 23, 2023 in Floresville, Texas. Chuck was born on December 13, 1929 in Quanah, Texas, where he grew up, went to school, and married his childhood sweetheart, Betty J. Brown, on December 11, 1949.

Chuck was a Texas Highway Patrol Officer, Department of Public Safety from 1951-1956, then went on to work for the US Government, Interstate Commerce Commission in San Antonio from 1956-1967. He retired from the United States Department of Transportation in the late 1980’s and started his own consulting company as a safety investigator supporting the Federal Highway Administration.Chuck proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves, and retired in June 1990, as a Command Sergeant Major. While in the Army Reserves, Chuck was on the Pistol Team, competing internationally in Switzerland in 1974, the Pan American Games in Mexico in 1975, and the 42nd World Shooting Championship in Korea in 1978. He won the Reserve Champion title five times in conventional competitions. He also competed on the United States Olympic Pistol Team where he competed in Barcelona Spain in 1992.

Chuck was a strong Christian man who served in multiple ministries and loved doing God’s work. Some of the ministries he enjoyed serving in included, Christian Men’s Fellowship, the Inman Christian Center, One Day With God Prison Ministry, and Kairos Prison Ministry in the Torres, Ney, Lockhart and Connelly Units.

Chuck served in many organizations as well. He was a Master Mason with the El Paso Masonic Lodge #130 in El Paso, TX, a member of the Alzafar Shriners of San Antonio, and President of the Texas State Rifle Association as well as the San Antonio Council of Safety Supervisors. He also crewed with the San Antonio Hot Air Balloon Association.He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. Wheeler of 69 years. His brother James Wheeler, parents Leonard and Mildred Wheeler, sons-in-law, Allan Bacon and Lynn McChesney.

He is survived by his daughters, Jeariene Bacon of San Diego, CA and Lynnene McChesney of Floresville, TX; four grandchildren Leighanna Lane (Mike), Lauren Bacon Gilbert (John), Andrew Ashworth (Chelsea), and Lindsay Snook (Larry); six great-grandchildren, Jacob Lane, Harlow Ashworth, Ariel Lane, Callyn Ashworth, Charles Bacon Gilbert, and Colbi Ashworth.

A visitation will be held at 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 with a funeral service to be held at 11:00am on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Porter Loring Mortuary McCullough. Interment will follow with Full Military Honors in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kairos Prison Ministries at http://www.kairostexas.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children at http://www.shrinerschildrens.org