David Gordon Wheeler, of Ventura, passed away on August 15, 2025, in Moorpark, CA.
David was born in Hollywood, CA to Richard and Dorothy Wheeler. He graduated from Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles in June of 1954, and later from Pierce Junior College. David served his country for three years in the U.S. Army, serving overseas. Upon his return, he was transferred to the reserves until his discharge in 1964.
Upon leaving the Army, he served the people of Los Angeles County as a member of the LA County Sheriff’s Department. In 1964, he joined the California Highway Patrol, where he stayed until his retirement in 1996. He was known as the Phantom of Ojai because he would appear out of nowhere, much to the chagrin of speeding drivers. After his retirement, he worked with the Santa Paula Police Department, as the Community Service Officer, where he was the Civilian of the Year in 2007.
David was an avid runner, and would run and compete into his 70s. He only stopped running when he would forget his way home.
David is survived by his sister-in-law, Toni Malone, and Rosalie and Tim Sommer. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sharon K. Wheeler, his parents, and his sister, Jennalee Itchner.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Ventura Jubilee Fellowship, https://vjf.church/give/ or to Food Share of Ventura County, https://foodshare.com/ways-to-give/
Funeral services will be held on September 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Ventura Jubilee Fellowship, 1956 Palma Drive, Suite A, Ventura, CA. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Olive Mill Cemetery in La Mirada, CA. Interment will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura.