Wheeler, Chester L.

Chester L. Wheeler, 79, of Abingdon, died at 11:26 a.m. Sunday, July 12, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Chester was born April 24, 1936 at home in Carbon Cliff, the son of Chester William and Mary Cervenski Wheeler.  He went on to graduate from East Moline High School.  Chester married Bonnie Jean Bloomberg on September 15, 1956 in Silvis.  Chester is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bonnie of Abingdon; three daughters, Brenda Wheeler of Huntington Beach, CA, Dianna (Tom Turner) Marthers of Pekin, and Susen (Mark) Patterson of Oak Ridge, TN; and one brother, John (Lois) Wheeler of Cambridge.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brandi Thompson, Jennifer (Tyler Allison) Marthers, Kevin Patterson and Katherine Patterson; and four great grandchildren, Patrick Thompson, Bella Caborlies, Drake and Harper Allison.

Chester worked for the railroad for 42 years, starting at the Rock Island Lines and retiring as a carman from Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and devoted Chicago Bears football fan.  Chester was not known to have idle hands, he enjoyed woodworking and working in the yard.  His family said he could fix anything, and in fact rebuilt an entire Mustang.  He was of the Methodist faith.

Per his wishes cremation rites have been accorded.  A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2015 at the Abingdon Methodist Church.  All friends and family are invited.  Pastor Jeff Robbins will officiate.  Memorials may be made to the Care Center of Abingdon or the First Responders of Abingdon.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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