Charles Eugene Wheeler, 91, of Bossier City, went to be with his Lord on November 8, 2023. A time for family to receive friends will be at Hill Crest Memorial Park, in Haughton, from 5-7 PM Sunday, November 12, 2023, with a rosary to be recited at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, November 13, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Bossier City, with Fr. Fidel Mondragon officiating. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park, in Haughton.
Charles, also known as Gene, was born December 21, 1931, in Iola, Kansas to Ruby (Wright) Wheeler and Sam V. Wheeler, and was their cherished only son. He lived most of his early life in Iola and Humboldt, Kansas.
Upon graduation from Iola High School, Gene entered the military during the Korean War. He served his country as a member of the United States Air Force for 21 years, eventually retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. He worked in maintenance analysis for B-52 and B-47 missile squadrons, communications analysis, and operations analysis. The field of Management Analytics took him, and his family, all over the country and the world. He would be stationed in Taiwan, Tokyo, the Philippines, Little Rock, AR, Wichita Falls, TX, Oahu, HI, and finally Bossier City, LA where he would make his home.
Gene earned a degree in History from Louisiana Tech University in 1972, and began his professional life in accounting and finance working for Wilbert Burial Vault for more than twenty years, retiring as Vice President of Operations.
In a life continually marked by service, Gene dedicated his retirement to his community and Parish. He volunteered his time and talents to the finance committee at Christ the King Catholic Church, and was twice elected Grand Night of the Knights of Columbus. He was president and treasurer of the Exchange Club where he oversaw three states and more than twenty clubs. He also patrolled with the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Department Neighborhood Watch program.
He married his beloved Joyce Loseman in Salina, Kansas on December 27, 1954, just six months from the day they met, and had five children; Jean (Ken), Michael (Bobbi), Elizabeth (Dr. Joe), Cindy (Dan), and Jennifer, 14 grandchildren, Jeff (Theresa) Schneider, Jimmy Schneider, Michelle Schneider, Matt (Laura) Wheeler, Peyton (Joe) Hyde, Harris Williams, Abby (Rolando) Fabian, Justin Mount, Colton (Courtney) Mount, Nick (Angie) Thompson, Mike (Sarah) Thompson, Theresa (Mikey) McAnn, Wendy (Mike) Tiday, David (Heather) Adams, 28 great grandchildren, and his beloved dog Charlie.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
