David Michael Wheeler

D. Michael Wheeler, 73, met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 30, 2025. He passed away peacefully in The Woodlands, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Michael served his Lord and Savior throughout his life as an example to others through his faith and love.

Born July 18, 1952, to David and Cynthia Wheeler in San Antonio, Texas, his father moved the family in 1956 to Corpus Christi, Texas where he spent his childhood. His father established Wheeler Photo Service, Inc., a commercial photography business that became a defining part of Michael's life. During his formative years, Michael played Little League baseball and participated in Boy Scouts of America. He was active in youth activities and served Father John Thompson as an acolyte at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The young girls in the annual St. Thomas Christmas Pageant fondly remember him as a very handsome Joseph. Summers were spent working beside his father, learning photography and lab skills that shaped his work ethic. Michael graduated with honors from Roy Miller High School in 1970. He attended Del Mar College, earning an associate degree, then continued his education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1974. In 1994 he completed his Master of Business Administration at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. On May 26, 1973, he married the love of his life, Vicki O'Quinn, beginning fifty-two years of love and devotion.

Michael began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. in Houston, Texas. After completing inaugural training, he returned to Corpus Christi to work with the accounting firm Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Company. He was later asked to serve as Controller for the newly established Miller Distribution, prompting a move to Fort Worth. After the successful launch of that company, Michael returned home once again to Corpus Christi to pursue his dream of self-employment. He and fellow CPA Gregg Fite established a successful accounting partnership, Fite and Wheeler, P. C., where he worked until 2008. Over the years, he served on numerous professional boards and organizations, including roles as Advisory Board Chairman and President of the Corpus Christi Chapter of TSCPA. Michael was a proud graduate of the 1992-1993 Legislative Leadership Texas, sponsored by TSCPA.

The Salvation Army of Corpus Christi held a special place in his heart. Michael served as Treasurer of its Advisory Board and dedicated countless hours of community service. He also served as Vice Chair of the YMCA Board, President of the Kiwanis Club of Six Points, and Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi.

An avid outdoorsman, Michael cherished the hours he spent wade fishing in Red Fish Bay. He enjoyed tennis, golf, and many snow skiing vacations in Colorado with Vicki and their children. He was a dedicated runner, participating in the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon and the Houston Marathon. At home, his children lovingly referred to him as Mr. DIY due to the endless stream of home improvement projects for which he appointed himself, Project Forman. Always a problem solver, Michael typically found solutions long before calling in professional help. His son, Mike and brother-in-law Wayne Carpenter, often served as his reluctant unpaid crew for these projects, later realizing that the memories they made were far more valuable than any paycheck.

After purchasing the house next door, Michael enlisted his nephew, Rob Carpenter, to help restore the home to its 1940's charm. Every Friday Rob drove from Houston to Corpus Christi to assist his uncle in the restoration until its completion. These hours spent working side by side remain treasured memories, not only for the skills learned, but for the deeper lessons in love, patience, and family and of his uncle's influence in teaching him life-long skills, but more important, the love of family.

Michael's commitment to his community extended through many charitable efforts. He spent numerous holiday seasons assisting the Captain of the Coastal Bend Salvation Army, bringing joy to families and children on Christmas morning. He and his parents helped initiate The Salvation Army Mobile Soup Kitchen ministry, serving meals to the homeless during cold winter nights. Together with volunteers, they converted a seldom used disaster truck into a mobile kitchen equipped with warm clothing, coats, and blankets for those in need.

Michael is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Vicki O'Quinn Wheeler, son Michael Wheeler, daughters, Alison Wolf (Dustin), Amy Wheeler Duncan, Abby Aparicio (Jorge), sister, Debby Wheeler Carpenter (Wayne), and brother, Robert Douglas Wheeler, his uncle and childhood sidekick, Charles R. Wheeler, loving aunt, Mildred (Pinky) Sweetland and numerous cousins.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, David Douglas Wheeler, mother, Cynthia Parker Wheeler, his paternal grandparents Leonard A. and Bertha Wheeler and maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bruce Parker. Finally, Papa leaves the loves of his life, grandchildren: Caleb Wheeler, Parker Taylor, Jackson Wolf, Cameron Duncan, Landon and Morgan Burch, Hayden Bible, Gabriel and Greyson Aparicio, and great granddaughter, Chloe Duncan.