Arthur David "Dipstick" Wheeler

Arthur David “Dave” Wheeler, 73 of Hurricane , celebrated his final birthday on Thursday February 13, 2014 passing away peacefully at home with his wife, Bonnie, by his side. Dave was born at home in Alum Creek on February 13, 1941. Dave proudly filled his life with treasures that most people call friends and family. Having filled the years of his life with many gemstones and treasures, he is now reunited with some of the ones he loved deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Myrtle Wheeler; brothers Clifford, Garfield, Travis, Ward; sisters, Monzella Hallaman, Louella Burns, Wilda Turley, Mary Myers. His siblings that still shine in his life are Dallas “Gerald” Wheeler of Long Beach, Calif, Barbara Thews of Ripley and Ronald “Red” Wheeler of Alum Creek. He was blessed to share many precious years of memories with his wife, Bonnie Mullins Wheeler. His smile was brightened continually by his children who then made his life even more complete by the blessings of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His children and their families were assets that touched his life in so many memorable ways. In addition to his wife and siblings, surviving Dave are children, Teresa “Terri” (Dennis) Riffe of Rio Ranchero, New Mexico, her four children and six grandchildren; Greg Wheeler of South Charleston, his three children and eight grandchildren; David (Terry) Mullins of New Holland, OH his four children and five grandchildren; Lisa (Jason) Lanham of Sod and her two children; Todd (Tammy) Wheeler of Hurricane and her four children; Deborah Mullins (Kelly Pleasants) of Louisa, Va and her child; Vincent (Julia) Wheeler of Cross Lanes and his four children and Shawn “Moose” Wheeler of South Charleston. Two very special people that he was honored to share his life with were his mother and father-in-law, Carl and Dorothy Nida of South Charleston. Dave always enjoyed sharing his birthday month with “Mamaw Dorothy” who passed away two years ago this month. Still surviving is “Pawpaw Carl” who Dave very much enjoyed being part of his everyday life. Dave retired from the Operating Engineers Local 132 where he was best known as “Dipstick”, VFW Post 9097 Men’s Auxillary and Honor Guard. He loved to cook, camp, hunt and fish the Cranberry River. His greatest joy in life was to put a smile on the faces of his many family and friends. He loved people, loved feeding people, loved sharing their stories and telling his stories. He brought many blessings to others by sharing his wonderful food that he took so much pride in cooking. He also took pride in showing his respect to veterans by participating in fund-raising for the veterans throughout the community. He was so proud as he dressed and prepared to “do the last thing he could do for a man who served his country.” There are many people who came into Dave’s life that are too numerous to name. He has made many, many friends along this journey called life. A special friend that has left a kind touch with him was a man known to many as “G.J”. He may never know how much Dave treasured that friendship. To Cindy and Joey, you both impacted the lives of Dave and Bonnie greatly and a peace came to Dave in knowing that even in his death, you will still be there for his bride, his “baby” as he called her. Gloria, thank you for the loving smiles, the kind words and the fudge. To Dr. Frame, Karen and his caring staff as well as Dr. Peterson and his staff. We could not have made this journey without your compassion and care. As we walked the road of recovery from a scary thing called cancer, it was so encouraging to know we had each of you on our team. To Todd, Tammy, Shyenna and Bella, your constant care and love made some dark days lighter. To Jeff, Marzella and Janet for loving us with food and allowing us to share this dark time with a dog named “Sophia” who not only came into our home, but came into our hearts. Dave loved her deeply and we want to thank you, Caleb and Hannah, for allowing us to steal your dog from your lives for her to bring so much joy to ours. To the friends and the family that has been a constant in our lives over this past year, we could not have made it without you, your love and the times you shared with us. One of the final blessings in his life was the care and love he received from Hospice. A very warm and special thank you to April Gibson who we felt was our angel that guided us through to his peaceful sleep. The family will receive friends on Sunday February 16 from 4-7pm at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm Monday February 17 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Many lives will forever be touched by Dave, Papaw, Dipstick, my buddy…he went to sleep one day, never here to awake again and everything was alright between God and him. We love and miss you deeply, Dave. Visit www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com to share memories or to express condolences. Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane is honored to serve the Wheeler family.

Arthur David "Dipstick" Wheeler

February 13, 1941 - February 13, 2014