Donald M. Wheeler

1921 - 2016

GREENFIELD - After a brief stay at Buckley Health Care Center, Donald Merton Wheeler, 94, of Davis St. in Greenfield, moved to greener pastures on July 6, 2016. Born August 9, 1921, he was the youngest son of Merton O. and Mabelle (Dix) Wheeler and spent his early life on the family dairy farm in Shelburne. His playground included the pastures, woods, and streams, and the baseball field off Little Mohawk Road, where he would sneak off on Sundays to meet his friends and have fun. The twinkle in his eye and playful sense of humor remained his trademarks. He was a graduate of Arms Academy's Class of 1938, where he excelled in sports. When his father became ill in the early 40s, Donald and brother Leonard took over the family farm and operated Wheeler Farm until 1969. Thereafter, Donald was employed by Wellsmont Orchards in Shelburne MA and Halifax VT, until his retirement.
Donald married Alice Angeli of Charlemont on August 7, 1948 and they were the devoted parents of five children, making their home in Shelburne. He coached little league, was an avid bowler, hunter, and member of the local Elks Club. He played golf frequently at Goodnow's Chip & Putt and "long golf" at many area courses. He enjoyed playing cards, especially bridge.
After Alice's passing in 1989, Donald moved to Greenfield, enjoying the companionship of Doris Osgood until her death in 2003.
Donald leaves his five children: Donald E. Wheeler and wife Marcia of Buckland, Carol Aleman and husband Ron of Bernardston, JoAnn Herron and husband John of Shelburne, Shirley Wheeler of Birdsboro, PA, and Robert Wheeler and wife Patricia of Bloomfield, CT; eight grandchildren: Otis Wheeler, Liam (Katie) Wheeler, Diana Aleman, Andrea Aleman, Susannah (Christopher) Totman, Emmalee (Michael) Cross, John Herron Jr, and Renata Wheeler. He also leaves nine great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Alice, Donald was preceded in death by his oldest grandchild, Amy Rebecca O'Hare, in 1986, and by his siblings, Dorothy Taylor, Mildred Gould, Leland Wheeler, Marjorie Burnham, Leonard Wheeler, Irene Burnes, and Pauline Goodell.
A graveside service will be held Monday, July 11, at 11 a.m. at East Shelburne Cemetery in Shelburne.
There are no calling hours
It is suggested in lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.
To send a condolence visit: smithkelleherfuneralhome.com