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Dudley Wheeler Obituary
Born in Westerly on June 8, 1944, he was the son of the late Dudley R. and Avis Myra (Palmer) Wheeler.
Dudley enjoyed being active and using his time to help others. From his early years he was known for being active in athletics and was the last person to letter in four varsity sports at Stonington High School.
He went on to serve the community as a detective for the Stonington Police Department until retirement. He was the assistant chief of the Wequetequok Fire Department and the district president since 1995. He was also the former chairman of the Republican town committee. But those who really knew Dudley, recall his daily routine that you could almost set your watch by. His days started at the Lewis Farm where he loved to feed the cows. Farming was his life, and as a 12th generation farmer he had a dedication to the land that he passed down to his grandson, Zach. After the morning at the farm, he would go to visit the Pawcatuck Fire Department, then the town fishing dock, and by 4 p.m. you would find him winding down the day at Henry's. You always knew where you stood with Dudley, so for those lucky enough to know him, he will be dearly missed.
Besides his loving wife, Barbara, he leaves his children, Dudley (Cathy) Wheeler, Jr. of Stonington, Maribeth Wheeler of Washington State, Michael (Kellie) Wheeler of Wyoming, and his step-daughter, Cheryl Beal of Stonington; his grandchildren, Zachary, Ashley, Autumn, Maya, Isaac, Clint and Kurt; his brothers, Nathan (Judy) Wheeler of Stonington and Bruce (Ellen) Wheeler of Stonington; Curt (Emily) Main, who was like a nephew to him, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his step-son, Billy Beal.
A celebration of Dudley's life will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations can be made in Dudley's name to the Wequetequok Fire Department, 6 Farmholme Rd. Pawcatuck, CT 06379. Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dudley Wheeler
Sponsored by Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home - Westerly.
Bonnie Ouellette
January 5, 2017
I'm so hurt your gone. I hope your wings are bring you flying over the farm .
K.S.
October 3, 2016
With sincere condolences to the family. May the God of loyal love comfort your family during this time of need. 2 Corinth 1:3-4 "Who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God. For just as the sufferings for the Christ abound in us, so the comfort we receive through the Christ also abounds."
Toni Roderick Remor
September 11, 2016
Remember Dudley as an upper-classmen at SHS. Condolences to the family.
Tim Danahey
September 10, 2016
Barbara and Family,
I was saddened to learn of Dudley's passing. Working with him on the police department he was always willing to assist. Taken too soon, my condolences to all.
September 9, 2016
Dud,very sorry for you're loss. God bless and keep you and you're family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Danny Bell
Lisa Marciniak
September 8, 2016
so sorry for your lost.have so many memerios growing up next store to the wheeler family.hugs to the whole family.thank you for all the memeries
September 8, 2016
So sorry for your loss. The entire Wheeler family was such a big part my family's life while I grew up next door. That will always live on in my heart.
Linda Boutin Lastella
September 7, 2016
I'd like to express my sincere sympathy to the Wheeler Family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Theresa Bokoff
September 7, 2016
I remember Dudley and his son Dudley Jr, and daughter Mary Beth from my fathers Meadowlake Dairy 4-H club. He was always one of the parents you could reach out to in need. My deepest sympathy to the whole family. Sincerely Meg Parant Lemar
Beverly Woycik-Morrone
September 7, 2016
My condolence to the Wheeler family,,
I am so saddened to hear about the loss,of Dudley. He was a classmate of mine (1962)' He was a special and well liked person then and now. I always enjoyed seeing him. He will be missed by so many people.
Barbara you and your family are in my many thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
September 7, 2016
Rest in Peace Dudley
Sheri Storey
September 6, 2016
So many great memories of the fairs with our families. You will be missed for sure. Deepest sympathies to the Wheeler Family.
Fran Wood
September 6, 2016
My sympathy to all the Wheeler family. He will be missed so much by so many, especially his "Rascal".
Peggy Sue Long
September 6, 2016
To the Wheeler Family,
I will miss passing Dudley on the road, in which I did several times a week.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Peggy Sue (Collins)
Frances Sullivan
September 6, 2016
Barbara, I am sorry to hear about your loss..hope
Barbara, sorry to hear about your loss
Margaret tourville sister
Julie Johnson
September 6, 2016
Just wanted to pass my condolences to the entire Wheeler family. So often you hear the phrase that someone is a "one of a kind". If there is anywhere that that phrase applies, it is here. He was truly "one of a kind." Dudley was Dudley, not afraid to say what he thought, whether you liked it or not. He was a farmer, a police officer, probably one of the best detectives ever, and funny as HELL! Some of the stories he told about his experiences farming had me almost rolling on the floor. May he rest in peace, and may all of you find comfort in your memories.
Julie Johnson
Ambry Fleming Ducharme
September 6, 2016
It was always a pleasure seeing Mr Wheeler at the store. He was a well liked customer by everyone for many many years. Our thoughts are with the family at this time.
Ambry, Pete, Scott, & the entire Fleming's Feed crew
September 6, 2016
our sincere condolences to all the wheeler family our thoughts are with you at this time JOHN PARIDE & BARBARA
Carol Burdick
September 6, 2016
God Bless the Wheeler family and friends of Dudley. I, remember Dudley way back when I was on the No. Ston. Police force. His father was a Police Officer and helped to make Pawcatuck safe. They will miss him. God will see your family through the sad times and help to remember the good times that everyone shared. Never forget the good people that your meet along the way. The Lewis family and Curt's family just know that he was a great friend.
Remember that everyday is a gift.
Always a friend
Carol
DONALD Allen sr
September 6, 2016
To the Wheeler family sorry for loss.
May he RIP.
Orlando Family
September 6, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 6, 2016
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Walter Sheldon Jr.
September 6, 2016
To all of the Wheeler Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dudley. Our paths had not crossed much since school, but I have fond memories of hunting the Wheeler property with him and his dad, and the Whewells. Dudley was a great athlete, officer, detective, and a fine gentleman. He will be missed by all in the community for his leadership and dedication to the town of Stonington.
linda savago
September 6, 2016
Barbara, I'm sorry for your loss, Please accept my condolences. Please keep in contact by email. I've thought about you and your family often through out the years. Linda McElroy Savago.
Frank & Mary Bliven
September 6, 2016
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
September 6, 2016
RIP Dudley. Love, Doug and Elaine Miner
Fred Mitchell
September 6, 2016
John and I extend our deepest sympathies to Dudley Jr & Family. I will miss my afternoons with Dudley & my briefings on what's going on in Stonington politics, the Lewis farm and at the town dock.
Katie Main
September 6, 2016
Uncle Dud was a great man. Topher and i will miss him. Sorry to all him family. Im sure he is up stairs raising hell with dad.
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