Charles Richard Wheeler, 99 of Frankfort, IN, formerly of Champaign, IL, died at 8:15 p.m. Monday (December 19, 2022) at Wesley Manor in Frankfort, IN.  He was born October 4, 1923, in Charleston, IL, son of Charles W. Wheeler and Florence ”Flossie” (Waters) Wheeler.  He married Shirley J. Stanfield in 1947.

Many family knew him as Richard or Dick until he went to the military when he began going by his first name.  Charles was a World War II (Europe) and Korean (stateside) veteran.  While at war Charles promised God that if he survived, he would turn his life and serve Him.  Charles returned home from WWII and began fulfilling this promise.  Charles graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL and Evangelical Theological Seminary, Naperville, IL with a Master of Divinity.  Charles was a retired United Methodist Church pastor from Central Illinois Conference (formerly with the Evangelical United Brethren Church).  He served the following churches in Illinois:  White Heath EUB, Galesville EUB, Broadlands EUB, Longview EUB, Orangeville EUB, Afolkey EUB, Lawrenceville EUB, Springfield EUB/UMC, Princeville UMC, Countryside UMC and filled in at several churches during his retirement.  Charles was a participating clergy member in the Billy Graham Crusade when it was in Springfield, Illinois.  Charles traveled to Australia as an evangelist preacher.  Charles touched and influenced many people in his ministry.  As a resident of Wesley Manor Charles continued his ministry calling on the sick and spreading friendliness and the love of God.  The family expresses their gratitude for the loving care at Wesley Manor and Care Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794 or Wesley Manor Employee Appreciation Fund, 1555 N. Main St., Frankfort, IN 46041.

Visitation and Services

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Wesley Manor Chapel. A second Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am. April 13, 2023 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 4th St., Charleston, IL 61920. Burial will follow the service in Mounds Cemetery.

Survived by:

He is survived by five daughters:  Sharon Petersen, Debra (Rick) Barnett, Mary Jo (Rev. Jack) Kirk, Kristy (Dean) Worrell, Anita Meyer, grandchildren Krissy (Bill) Storer, Michelle (Tony) Schalliol, John (Jill) Kirk, James Charles (Julia) Clark IV, Tony (Alina) Barnett, Tina Schellenback, Jim (Kalika) Kirk, Brianna Meyer, seventeen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceded by:

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Shirley J Wheeler, daughter, Carol, siblings Vera (Bob) Birch and two brothers Jim (Delores) Wheeler and Paul (Ruth) Wheeler.