Edgar M. Wheeler

WHEELER, Edgar M., 65, died May 14, 2007. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan Graves Funeral Home.
 Bridgewater – Edgar M. Wheeler, 65, loving husband, father and grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, May 14, 2007. Ed was born in Mars Hill January 18, 1942, son of Fred and Addie Dobson Wheeler. He graduated from Bridgewater Classical Academy in the class of 1960, then proudly served in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1964.
    Edgar married Dottie Lewis in May 1967. They raised four children in Bridgewater. He was a faithful and devoted member of the Bridgewater Free Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, trustee, and currently as Sunday School Superintendent and Moderator.
    Ed began his career in law enforcement in 1968 as a part-time deputy. He soon became a full-time deputy, then detective. He served as chief deputy under Sheriff Darrell Crandell, and was elected High Sheriff in 1983, a position which he proudly held for 12 years. During that time, he was instrumental in forming the Aroostook County Crime Stoppers, an organization which he faithfully participated in and promoted until his death. A former legislator, Edgar served in the Maine House of Representatives from 1994-2002, in the 116th – 120th Legislative Sessions. With his extensive law enforcement background, he served on the Criminal Justice Committee and the Transportation Committee. His dedication to public service carried from his hometown through the county and throughout the state and he never regretted the countless hours he devoted to the cause. At the time of his death, Edgar was owner/operator of Burtchell Transport Service, where he was known and respected for his honesty and integrity.
    Edgar was a lifetime member of the Maine State Sheriff’s Association. He was also a member of the Maine State Chiefs of Police, Aroostook County Crime Stoppers, the Maine Harness Racing Association, the US Trotting Association, the American Legion, and Mars Hill Country Club. He served his community well as a past and present member of the Bridgewater Town Council.  
    Edgar is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dottie and their four children, Kelly and her husband Scott Kingsbury of E Plantation; Terri and her husband George Brewer of Mars Hill; Martin and his wife Leone of Linneus; and Mitchell and his wife Allison of Blaine; and his nine beloved grandchildren: Michelle Kingsbury and her fiancé Matthew Drosdik of Portland; Meaghan Kingsbury Mullen and her husband Scott of Brunswick; Brock Kingsbury of E Plantation; Alexis and Victoria Brewer of Mars Hill; Jeffery and Edgar Martin II (Teddy) of Linneus; and Chloe and Jack of Blaine; his brothers, Thurston of Massachusetts; Keith and his wife Cheryl of Monticello; and his sister Linda and her husband Weldon Delong of Bridgewater; a half-brother, Eugene of Auburn; his special mother-in-law Elsie Lewis of Bridgewater; sister-in-law Bonnie and her husband Wayne McKeen; and several nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his many friends at Mars Hill Country Club Golf Course and the morning coffee guys. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his father-in-law, Vaughn Lewis. Those who knew Edgar knew him as a man of deep devotion to his God, his family and his country.
    Relatives and friends called between 7-9pm Thursday evening at Bridgewater Free Baptist Church. The funeral service was held at the church Friday at 2pm, with Pastor Robert Vaughan officiating. Interment at Smith Cemetery following the service. Those who wish may make donations in Edgar’s memory to the Bridgewater Free Baptist Church Memorial Fund or to Aroostook County Crime Stoppers, in care of Betty Cronkhite, Katahdin Trust Company, Mars Hill, Me. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.