Charles L. Wheaton February 10, 1941 - February 21, 2023

Charles Lee Wheaton, 82 of Dowagiac, passed away on February 21, 2023 at home. Charles showed us his strength and love for his family daily these past 9 years as his health suffered the latent effects of his successfully treated cancer back in the early 80's.

Charles was born to Rile Louis and Lillie Orvie (Bailey) Wheaton on February 10, 1941 in Senath, Missouri. He was employed by Auto Specialties in Benton Harbor until the company closed in 1980. He then went on to work at a number of places to support his family before going to truck driving school. After getting his training and CDL he worked for a few years at Dowagiac Containers, then for the next 27 years at Arvco Container out of Kalamazoo before he retired in 2012.

Charles and his family moved from Missouri to Michigan in the late 50's where he met the love of his life, Patricia Kelley, at the Drive-In Theater in Hartford.  Charles and Patricia were married July 18, 1960 in Watervliet and celebrated 62 years of marriage this past July.

 

Charles is survived by his wife Patricia and 4 daughters, Katrina (late Robert) Carter of Paw Paw; Melissa (Scott) Corwin of Dowagiac; Greta (Shane Nix) Shelton of Marcellus; and Theresa (Todd) Bohle of Coloma; eight grandchildren, Thomas Corwin, Tasha (Gary) Marshall, April (Roger Morse) Meyers, Patsie (Caleb Wager) Meyers, Robert Carter II, Kasondra (Troy) Ring, Corey Bohle and Dylan Bohle; three great-grandchildren, Kyler Marshall, Aryanna Marshall and Alana Morse; and his sister Cora Corzine of Parsons, TN.

 

Charles was proceeded in death by his parents Rile and Lillie Wheaton; 4 sisters, Rose Gillihan, June Cleveland, Bessie Estrada and Sharon Gunter and one bother, Ronnie Wheaton.

 

Per Charles's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. A private gathering to celebrate his life with family will be held at a later date. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma is assisting with arrangements. Those wishing to leave an online message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.