Don Wheeler

Don Wayne Wheeler, a beloved pillar of the Cloudy community, passed away on February 28, 2024, in Lexington, at the age of 85. Born on January 9, 1939, in Cloudy, Don’s life was rooted in the values of family, service, optimism, and faith. He was a devoted Christian who loved Christ and wanted to share that love with all those he met. Don married Lawanda Cody on June 20, 1959, in Hugo, and they enjoyed many wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2022. Don was a proud airman, serving as a weapons system specialist in the Air Force in Vietnam and continued his service until retirement in 1977. His passion for diving led him to become a scuba instructor while in Okinawa, where he also devoted time to a rescue team. During this time in Japan, he also obtained his pilot’s license. Widely known as Papa Don to everyone except his grandchildren, who simply called him Pa, Don was a cherished fixture in the Cloudy community. He served with the Cloudy Volunteer Fire Department and was also an active member of the Frisco Association and the Nail Benders for Christ. An avid outdoorsman, Don found joy in hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was a huge fan of women’s softball, especially the Oklahoma Sooners and loved cheering them on any chance he got. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife: Lawanda (Cody) Wheeler; daughter: Karen (Wheeler) Potrykus; and son: Darren Wheeler; parents: Otis Wheeler and Roberta Beasley; sisters: Ima Jean Young and Oma May Wheeler; and step siblings: Jimmie Lee Cooper and Howard Snowden. He is survived by his son: Don Wheeler II and wife Jeanne; son-in-law: Brian Potrykus; sisters: Wynonah Payne, Joanne Burgess, and Lola Faye Arnett; and his adored grandchildren: Christopher Shannon, Darrell Short, and Dustin Wheeler with significant other Krissy Chandler-Biggs; as well as great-grandchildren: Makenzy Short and Liliana Wheeler. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Cloudy Baptist Church with Luther Roden officiating. Interment to follow at Cloudy Cemetery. With his love of fishing and hunting, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veteran’s Field Foundation. Services have been entrusted with Serenity Funeral Service of Antlers, Oklahoma.