Windell Wheeler

Windell Wheeler, age 84, former Mayor of Delaware, passed away, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Willow Brook at Delaware Run following a recent decline in health.

He was born on January 16, 1941, in Licking County near the family farmstead to the late Burch M. and Oshell (Cantrell) Wheeler. Windell graduated from Hartford High School in 1958. He retired from Grady Memorial Hospital in 2008 after working 33 years as their HVAC technician. Prior to Grady Hospital, he worked 14 years with Ranco.

Always community and civic-minded, Windell served Delaware and Delaware County in numerous capacities over the years. He served on the Delaware City Council for 16 years as Vice Mayor as well as City Mayor for 8 years from 2002-2009, in addition to serving as a Delaware Republican Central Committee member.

Windell was a member of William Street United Methodist Church, where he was a former trustee. He also served as a board member for Common Ground Free Store and Delaware Speech and Hearing over the years.

His community service did not allow for much free time, but he took pleasure in traveling, collecting antiques and coins, and cheering for the Ohio State University Buckeyes, as well as attending yard sales and auctions. Compassionate and friendly in nature, he was always the first to lend a helping hand. Windell strived to be a better person in every aspect of his life, he was a constant learner, self-taught, he could fix anything and did.

In addition to his family, he also considered his time serving as the Mayor of Delaware and City Council as highlights of his life. He took pride in participating in the community's growth, industry additions, and the streetscape of downtown Delaware. He loved Delaware and its community and was a friend to all. His lifetime of good deeds and influence leaves a legacy that will forever speak for him.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Donna May Overly Wheeler, and his treasured daughter, Gwen Wheeler Russell and grandsons Cameron Russell, Tsinnijinnie (Erin) Russell, Justin Russell Jr., and great-grandsons: Luis Estrada Russell and Cameron Estrada Russell Jr. He also leaves behind his stepchildren: Penelope Gifford, Julie Bates, Mark (Angie) Huston; and grandchildren: Taylor (Matthew) Gifford-Holland, Austin Gifford, Allen Bates III, Noah Bates, Payton Bates, Nicole Huston, and Elizabeth Huston. As well as brothers Johnny (Ginny) Wheeler, Ronnie (Roxanne) Wheeler, and sister Carolyn (Tom deceased) Cline.

Friends may call Thursday, May 29th, from 4 — 7 p.m. at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Drive at W. William St., Delaware, Ohio 43015, where services will follow at 7 p.m. with pastors Jennifer Applegate and Kevin Kinnison co-officiating. Interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery on Friday May 30th at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial contributions be made to Heartland Hospice, 685 Delaware Ave. #300, Marion, OH 43302, Willow Brook Teammate Gift Fund, 100 Delaware Crossing, Delaware, OH 43015, or SourcePoint, 800 Cheshire Road, Delaware, OH 43015.

Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.