Coleman Wheeler

June 8, 1943 - March 20, 2016

Coleman Wheeler, 72, of Centralia, passed away at 7:05 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2016, at Doctors Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Salem. He was born June 8, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Irving and Virginia (Coleman) Wheeler. He will be remembered with fondness as a Cruise Line Director, with Clipper Cruise Lines, and a Producer/Director for the World's First Production of "Jesus Christ Superstar." He also was a Mentor to many youths with the Great American Adventure Club, an art teacher, and a Production Choreographer/Coordinator for the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. He shared his many talents and abilities with the world, the communities he visited, and the schools he taught in. As Coleman always said, he just wanted to "Do Good." He loved gardening, nature, architecture, and travelling the world. He leaves this world, with a legacy behind him of all the places he travelled, the garden paths he walked, the art he created, and the lives he touched. Mr. Wheeler is survived by his partner, Bill Scott of Centralia; children, Jeremiah Wheeler and wife Renee, Benjamin Wheeler, and Chamisa Wheeler-Ellis and husband Benjamin Ellis; grandchildren Liviyah and Kaide Blackmon; siblings, Mick Wheeler and wife Joyce, and Virginia Oliver and husband Kevin; nieces and nephews, Steve Wheeler, Amy Wheeler, Emily Hecker, and Shelley and Sara Oliver; and many great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irving "Buz" and Virginia (Coleman) Wheeler. In accordance to Mr. Wheeler's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Osborn Funeral Home in Dix is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at osbornfuneral.com, or the funeral home's Facebook page.