BRIDGEWATER – Edgar M. Wheeler, 65, loving husband, father and grand-father, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, May 14, 2007. Ed was born Jan. 18, 1942, in Mars Hill, son of Fred and Addie Dobson Wheeler. He graduated from Bridgewater Classical Academy, Class of 1960, then proudly served in the U.S. 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 most recently 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 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 to 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, Maine Harness Racing Association, U.S. Trotting Association, 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 East 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; his nine beloved grandchildren, Michelle Kingsbury and her fianc?, Matthew Drosdik, of Portland, Meaghan Kingsbury Mullen and her husband, Scott, of Brunswick, Brock Kingsbury of East 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, and Keith and his wife, Cheryl, of Monticello, 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; 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 predeceased 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 may call 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Bridge-water Free Baptist Church. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the church with Pastor Robert Vaughan officiating. Interment will be after the service at Smith Cemetery. Those who wish may make donations in Edgar’s memory to Bridgewater Free Baptist Church Memorial Fund or to Aroostook County Crime Stoppers, care of Betty Cronkhite, Katahdin Trust Co., Mars Hill, ME 04758 Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com
EDGAR M. WHEELER
