Trustee Wheeler’s Dad Passes

David W. Wheeler A resident of Yuba City for more than fifty years passed away peacefully, January 3, 2011 in his home, at the age of 92. Dave is survived by his wife Ellen; his sons David, Jr. and his wife Ruth Anne, and Michael and his wife Annettee, all of Yuba City. Six grandchildren: Jake, Samantha, Annie, Margo, Ryan, and Cole. Four great-grandchildren: Kelsey, Carson, Robby, and Kate. Born June 17, 1918 in Lewiston, Maine, he was active in football, baseball, track, boxing, and won the Maine Golden Gloves Championship, 147 lb class in 1936. He traveled to California in 1938 and played football for Riverside Junior College. It was here that he met his future wife and life-long companion Ellen Jane Bird. He transferred to Humbolt State College where he excelled in football and track 1939-1940. He joined the Army Air Corps in May, 1941 and completed pilot training in early 1942. He was assigned to a B-17 group in Boise, Idaho, where he married Ellen in March 1942. From April until November, 1943 he was a squadron leader in the 306th Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force in England. He completed 25 missions over occupied Europe, including the famous Schweinfurt raid on Aug. 17. He was awarded numerous medals and citations during this period including three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, two Bronze Stars and the Presidential Citation. Later during the war he was Director of Flying at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs. In 1945 he served as the personal staff pilot of General Patrick Timberlake in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 1946. Dave worked in the automobile business from 1949, and became the Cadillac-Oldsmobile Dealer in Yuba City in 1960. He ran the business until 1984, when he turned the dealership over to his son Michael. He was deeply and passionately involved in many activities in the Yuba-Sutter area including: Rotary Club; Co-founder and Chairman, Sacramento Valley Military Affairs Committee; Foreman, Sutter County Grand Jury (1979-80); Advisory Board, CSU Chico; Advisory Board, Bank of America. He was a member of the Family Club, San Francisco. Dave will be remembered for his love of family, his devotion to his country, his many friends, his service to the community, his commitment to the military, to Beale Air Force Base, and his love of hunting and fishing. Services: Graveside service, with military honors, will be conducted on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 11:00am at the Sutter Cemetery. Memorial services will follow at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at 12:30pm with Rev. Chris Kersting officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ullrey Memorial Chapel. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Yuba City. Send Condolences at www.appealdemocrat.com