Richard L. Wheeling

Richard L. Wheeling, 77, of 1080 Patchel Run Road, Franklin, died at 1:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at his home. Born May 26, 1931, in Franklin, he was a son of Lawrence Kimble and Maryetta Goodspeed Wheeling. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Mr. Wheeling, who owned Dick's Mobil and Towing at Coefields Corners and Eighth Street, retired in 1979. He served on Sugarcreek Borough Council. He was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans and held all offices, was a lifetime member of the American Legion and held all offices, was a member of the Rocky Grove Lions Club and held all offices and was a zoning officer. He enjoyed NASCAR, wrestling, fishing and hunting, football and "Walker, Texas Ranger." He was married Oct. 9, 1954, to Ella Mae Ross, who survives. Survivors also include two daughters, Kathy Gee and her husband, John, of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Judy Johnson of Franklin; and eight grandchildren, Scott Miller of Oil City, Nicole Walters and her husband, George, of Cooperstown, Jonathan Walton and his wife, Kelly, of Akron, Ohio, Drake Wheeling of New Hampshire, Stacy Gee of Blaine, Minn., Robert Gee of Coon Rapids, Minn., Tamala Culp and her husband, Robert, of Oil City, and Jessica Heller and her husband, Timothy Heller Sr., of Franklin. Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Zoei Heller of Franklin, Timothy Heller Jr. of Franklin and Trevin Boltman-Gee of Tampa, Fla.; a brother, William L. Wheeling and his wife, Jacque, of Auburn, Wash.; numerous nieces and nephews; an aunt, Fern Denbeck of Petrolia; and special friends of the family, the Dale Harry family of Franklin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Eugene Wheeling in 2005; and two sisters, Elaine Griffin and Marilynn Wheeling. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Robert W. Gardinier Funeral Home, 1315 Chestnut St., Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Susan Evans, VNA Hospice pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Lupher Chapel Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the charity of one's choice. On-line condolences may be sent at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.