Carl L. Wheeler

Carl L. Wheeler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, veteran, and mentor, returned to his Heavenly home July 22, 2025. He passed peacefully in his house in Forest Park, Ohio, full of his loving and cherished family.

Born the sixth of ten children, he was raised in a home rich in laughter and love, where everyone was raised to put the family first. From the moment his beautiful wife, Marilyn Merriman, asked her friend to tell him she liked him, their love story began, and he devoted his life to her completely.

They had four amazing children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandbabies, who were all the light of his life, and his whole world. Carl built his house to be a playground for his grandchildren, happy to offer the best tasting tomatoes and a fun-filled day to whoever came through the door.

Carl spent his life as a dedicated worker so he could provide for his family. He considered his work as a military man as another way to serve his family and his country. He served in Army National Guard from 1962 to 1967. He was in the 2nd Battalion, 13th Regiment and learned to be an artillery expert. He was awarded the M1 Riffle Ribbon and the 5 Year Ribbon for his excellent marksmanship.

He was a machinist by trade with a one-of-a-kind expertise and his precision grinding skills were at a level that made him the only grinder in Cincinnati with the ability to produce certain parts. He shared his expertise through his mentorship of co-workers and family members, passing these skills on, giving them a way to provide for their own families.

Carl had the unique ability to form a special relationship with every person he met. Everyone in the family had the right to claim that they were Carl’s favorite person because, in a way, they were. He lived a life full of mutual love for his family, friends, and community.

He is preceded in death by his parents Luther and Ruth (Henson) Wheeler and his siblings Dave (Carol), Ruby (Lowell), Roger, Ronnie (Terry), and Rose. He is survived by his siblings Harry (Joane), Danny (Pug), and Susan (Dan), beloved wife Marilyn; his children Carla, Sandra, Scott (Bailey), and Mark (Sonja); his grandchildren Destin, Drey (Paige), Jaime, Jordan (Alejandro), Samantha, Susie, Carlee, Maxwell (Jaelyn), Joselynn, and his great-grandchildren Saylor Rae and Lennon Rae.

The family will be hosting a private, intimate celebration of life at his prized home in Forest Park. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warrior Project.

Carl often said that it is only the first one hundred years that are the hardest. It will certainly be a hard one hundred years without him.