The funeral for State Rep. David Wheeler (R-Vestavia) will be at All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12. Visitation starts at 9:30 a.m. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook, Vimeo and on the All Saints website.

Wheeler passed away on Wednesday. 

Wheeler was 72.

Wheeler was elected in 2018, representing House District 47.

State leaders expressed their condolences at the passing of Wheeler, who was widely respected in the legislature.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Alabama State Representative David Wheeler," said U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06), whose Congressional District covered Wheeler's House District. "I enjoyed getting to know him and having the chance to work with him over the past several years. He proved over and over to be a man of great care and commitment towards the people of his district. He served them with excellence and was taken far too soon. Ann and I are praying for his family and loved ones during this difficult time"

The Alabama House Democratic Caucus released a statement wishing to express "their sorrow and sincere sympathy to the friends and family of Representative David Wheeler of Vestavia, Alabama who passed away today. Representative Wheeler was admired, respected, and loved by his colleagues in the Alabama Legislature."

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels expressed his condolences saying, “Our hearts go out to all who knew Representative Wheeler. He was a strong advocate for his district and the community will mourn his loss. We will always be grateful for his service to others and his hard work to improve the lives of his constituents.”

He held a number of positions with the Alabama Republican Party including Treasurer.

Wheeler was also very active with his alma mater, the University of Montevallo.

Wheeler had a 29-year career at the Alabama Power Company where he held a number of executive positions.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Diane Reeves Wheeler and daughter Jessica Tyra.

In 2008, he became a member of the Montevallo Board of Trustees. He served as chair of the personnel committee and vice-chair of the board of trustees and executive committee. His term was set to end in 2032.

In April 2009, The David W. and Diane R. Wheeler Endowed Scholarship was created at Montevallo, which is available to a full-time junior or senior business student from Chilton County majoring in business.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to All Saints Memorial Fund at allsaintsbhm.org/give or the David Wheeler Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Montevallo at montevallo.edu/give/scholarships-giving.

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