HAL WHEELER 1958 - 1986 PILOT GSW MKC MCI DEN Everyone gathered in front of the beautiful water fall in the hotel lobby for a group picture. Those who had started the party early and were unable to stand on their own were wedged into the middle of the group so they were supported by the crowd Pilots who were in attendance Hal Wheeler Bill Neff Frank Malone Don Powell Steve Tidler Fred McDowell Neil Miller Dan Scantlin Mike Gadow Jack Bozarth Tom Hollister Harvie Chaddock Bob Kanive Frank Geyso -Posted at Phil Stalling 2004 reunion website We went from Ft. Worth to Kansas City, Mo. and then while still living in KC, Hal was stationed in Denver. The last year and a half he was flying we were living in Vista, Ca. and he was commuting to Denver. We had bought an office supply store and ran that for 10 years. We then sold our house, stored our "things" bought a motorhome and traveled for two years when we came through Deming, NM and saw a southwestern house and here we are. We were planning on going to the reunion in KC this year but our granddaughter is getting married in Little Rock about same time. -Hal and Shirley Wheeler (4/8/07) Just want you to know Hal passed away this morning (Thurs). He had open heart surgery Monday and did fine but yesterday he had a hard time breathing and this morning he stopped breathing. They did CPR for over 30 minutes, then took him to surgery, put in a pace maker and put him on a heart pump but his heart didn't start. I am in a bit of shock right now so before our girls get here tonight and tomorrow I don't know just what to do. Thank you all for your prayers. Shirley Wheeler (12/16/10) I am so sorry to hear this. I will get the word out to his friends at Frontier. Let me know when arrangements are finalized and I will get that out too. My sincerest condolences. -Jake Lamkins (12/17/10) Posted at the FL Club and Facebook: Just got an email from Shirley Wheeler that Hal passed away Thu morning, the 16th. She said, "He had open heart surgery Monday and was doing good until this morning." More info as I get it. -Jake Lamkins (12/17/10) H R WHEELER Seniority date of 7/21/58, #21, on the 9/1/86 FL/ALPA seniority list. Hal attended both the 2004 and 2005 KC Crew Reunions. -Jake Lamkins (12/17/10) We are shocked and can only imagine what you are dealing with. I wish we were there to hug you. Suddenly, my mind is in overdrive remembering all the wonderful Wheeler memories along with the flights we had together. Sharing Hal's flight deck was an honor and I learned a lot flying with him. He was a wonderful man with great humor equally matched by his high moral fibre. I remember camping with Hal above Lake Granby. We hiked all day to reach a hidden lake that we were sure had and abundance of some nice sized trout. Hal caught 2 small rainbows which we cooked for our supper. I caught zip! Relaxing by our camp fire, I remember him telling me about flying the F-86 and some of his experiences in the Air Force. He talked about building your place in Kansas City with the bass pond and, of course, his three ladies. I think that is when we decided to buy an airplane together which we ended up doing a lease-back with in Grand Junction. I don't think Hal ever flew that airplane! We crawled into our sleeping bags in that pup-tent and woke up freezing and having to actually dig thru a couple of feet of snow to get out of the tent. Boy was that a shock as the forecast was for mild weather. We trudged back down the mountain slipping and sliding surprised finding the trip back more effort than the climb up. Cheryl and I are grateful to have shared so many good times with you, Hal and the girls. Our skiing trips to your condo near Frasier, visiting you in Vista, CA and just a thousand things that make a smile burst through the sadness. The Wheelers have such a special place in our hearts. It is painful knowing that we won't have the chance to tell Hal. ...somehow I think he knew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. For sure, Hal is enjoying smooth air, warm-soft tailwinds, and a bright star to steer by on his Flight West. Love, -Billy & Cheryl Walker (12/17/10) Obituary for Harold (Hal) Wheeler Harold (Hal) Ray Wheeler, born January 12, 1930, passed away on December 16 due to complications from heart surgery. Hal leaves his wife of 54 years, Shirley Ann Wheeler, along with two daughters, and five grandchildren. Hal was an F-86 Air Force Pilot and a career pilot for Frontier Airlines. Hal loved life, and was passionate about the outdoors with biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, woodworking, and RV travels. Hal loved his family and was a wise and caring man. He will be missed by so many whose lives were touched by his kindness, charisma, and humor. Following cremation, a private service will be held in the Gila Mountains of New Mexico, which follows a quote Hal had in his workshop, "If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you're lucky enough." -Shirley Wheeler (12/20/10) Thank you for Hal's obituary. I'll incorporate it into his memorial webpage at the Frontier Airlines website. I'll email you when it's ready. In sympathy, -Jake Lamkins (12/20/10) OBITUARY Harold (Hal) Ray Wheeler, born January 12, 1930, passed away on December 16, 2010 due to complications from heart surgery. Hal leaves his wife of 54 years, Shirley Ann Wheeler, along with two daughters and five grandchildren. Hal was an F-86 Air Force Pilot and a career pilot for Frontier Airlines. Hal loved life, and was passionate about the outdoors with biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, woodworking and RV travels. Hal loved his family and was a wise and caring man. He will be missed by so many whose lives were touched by his kindness, charisma, and humor. Following cremation, a private service will be held in the Gila Mountains of New Mexico, which follows a quote Hal had in his workshop: "If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you're lucky enough." -Deming Headlight on December 21, 2010 Posted at the FL Club: Subject: Pilot Hal Wheeler's obituary is at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/demingheadlight/obituary.aspx?n=harold-ray-whee\ler-hal&pid=147330652 You may leave a note in his guestbook. -Jake Lamkins (12/21/10) Posted at the FL Club: Subject: Hal Wheeler's memorial webpage HAL WHEELER 1958 - 1986 PILOT GSW MKC MCI DEN http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Hal_Wheeler.html Post your remembrances. -Jake Lamkins (12/22/10) Oh my Jake, this is wonderful and I do thank you. -Shirley Wheeler (12/22/10) I met Hal through a mutual friend at James Connelly AFB, Waco TX in 1953 where Hal was an Aviation Cadet and the friend and I were on our way to begin Aviation Cadet training. Hal and I both flew for AAL in 1958 but our paths never crossed. But the years of friendship at CEN/FAL were good ones. He was a fine person, an excellent pilot and handled his Captain job with skill, respect and competence but with a great sense of humor. His chuckle is still remembered. Melba and I wish to express our deepest condolences to Shirley and her family. It was a shock to us as I'm sure it was to them. He will be missed -"Frosty" Frost (12/23/10) I remember Hal as "the best of the best". It was a pleasure to fly with him. My condolences to his Family and Friends. -Al Beasley (12/24/10) Thank you for the kind words. I still can't believe he is gone forever. I think he is on a trip and will come home soon. I have been in Minnesota with Sue and family for 3 weeks and just returned home tonight. Lori and her boyfriend were here when I got home. They will stay for awhile. I know that I must be able to stay by myself soon but it is so hard. He was my life, and he looked forward to this operation so he would have a better quality of life. He was doing fine until the third day and the doctor thinks it was a blood clot from either his leg or the new valve that killed him. We had a memorial at his favorite spot in the mountains where he went Elk hunting in Oct. with our son-in-law. -Shirley Wheeler (1/16/11) Hal Wheeler and I go back to 1942 when we were attending Coronado Schools. I was in the seventh grade and Hal was starting High School -I was looking to acquire a paper route and Hal had one that he wanted to give up. So this is where the friendship started, we were in Coronado High School together - he in the class of '48 and I in the class of '50. We chummed around some and then school was over for both of us. We both joined the California National Guard in '48 (a Coast Artillery outfit). Hal later joined the Air Force and was accepted to Aviation Cadet training. I saw him at James Connaly Air Force Base in Waco, TX when a couple of NEW avaiation cadets traveling to our Primary base stopped to see Hal. I was aware of his locations while serving in the AF and after he got out, I was visiting one of those NEW Aviation cadets mentioned above after I had finished KC-135 training and he took me over to Hal's house in Ft. Worth, TX. We had a great time visiting and drinking some of Hal's home brew. I followed Hal's progress through Central Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Have kept touch with him and Shirley ever since. What a great guy as well as father and husband. My wife Carolyn and I had the good pleasure of hosting Hal and Shirley in our house as they came through after attending a fighter squadron reunion in San Antonio this past October. They stayed with us for a few days and we had a wonderful time together. Carolyn and I both were shocked and saddened of Hal's death. He was a good and long time friend and he will be missed greatly. Going to "The Pink Store" without Hal just can't be the same. -Earl Bullock (1/20/11) Hal was one of the best guys I ever knew. We flew together, hunted and fished together as well as our jaunts down the Colorado ski slopes. I still can't believe he's gone. I thought you might want this for Hal's obit page. -Billy Walker (2/1/11) Jake, could you change the picture of Hal Wheeler to this one on his memorial page. Thanks, Shirley Wheeler (2/11/14) Hi Shirley, I'll be glad to change the photos. Hope you and family are well. -Jake Lamkins (2/12/14) FLacebook - FL Club DEN pilot Hal Wheeler's wife sent a new photo for his memorial webpage. http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Hal_Wheeler.html -Jake Lamkins (2/14/14) Thank you so much, Jake -Shirley Wheeler (2/14/14) Remember Hal from Central. Nice picture to see now! -SueAnn Erb (2/15/14) FLacebook Gloria Croisant · Captain Wheeler use to give these out. Does anyone remember him? Central Airlines. Phil Stallings Hal was a good man. George Fay One of our best! Jake Lamkins Another good man gone west. Dennis E Johnson Hal was a good one. Roberta Brashears I love that — so funny!!!! Patty Hughes Smith I remember Hal! Great pilot ! Verne Carlson Loved flying with him One of my favorite captains to fly with Patty Hughes Smith Mine too! (3/15/22)