In Memory

Roger Stuart Wheeler - Class Of 1945

Roger Stuart Wheeler

Sep 28, 1927 - May 12, 2008


Realtor and Community Leader Roger Stuart Wheeler, son of a pioneer Claremont family, passed away on May 12, 2008. Son of Esther and Stuart Wheeler, he was born on September 28, 1927. He met his future wife Mary Pauline Naftel in kindergarten at Sycamore School in Claremont. 

A competitive and gifted athlete, Roger was a four-year letterman in track, tennis and football at Claremont High School. Graduating in 1945, he served his country in the Navy at the end of World War II. Roger was a math major at Pomona College, where he also lettered in track all four years and graduated in 1950. He and Mary were married, August 28, 1948. 
 
Early in his career, he was a citrus grower and sold residential real estate. His foresight and vision led to the development of residenti al properties throughout Southern California. He co-founded Wheeler-Steffen Real Estate in 1960 which still serves the Pomona Valley. Roger then bought and developed shopping centers, mobile home parks and commercial properties. In his later career, he still loved going "to the office" each morning to manage and stay close to his business interests and clients. As a community leader, he was president of Pomona Valley Board of Realtors, Claremont Chamber of Commerce, Claremont Kiwanis Club, as well as on t he Board of Directors of Old Baldy Boy Scout Council and the Three-Valleys Municipal Water District. Roger was also an Elder for the Claremont Presbyterian Church and Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 401 in Claremont. 
 
Competitive in tennis, golf, bridge and cards, there wasn't a game he didn't like or an opponent he didn't strive to beat. Known for his jovial sense of humor, quick wit, infectious laugh and twinkling eyes, Roger will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. 
 
Mr. Wheeler is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Naftel Wheeler (CHS 1945), of Claremont, by his sons and daughters-in-law, Paul (CHS 1971) and Maureen Wheeler of Claremont, Nelson (1973) and Ellen Wheeler of Newport Beach, Mark (CHS 1974) and Pam Wheeler of Encinitas, and daughter Martha (CHS 1979) Wheeler Bowman of La Canada. He is also survived by his twin sister Ruth Wheeler Fuller (CHS 1945) of Rolling Hills and sister-in-law Barbara Wheeler of Corona del Mar. His 10 loving grandchildren include Megan, Lucas, Paige, Preston, Mindy, Whitney, Chelsea, Clayton Wheeler and Kip and Jack Bowman. Roger was preceded in death by his brother, Donald R. Wheeler (CHS 1948), in January 2008. 
 
Memorial contribution may be made to the Scholarship Society at the Mount San Antonio Gardens 900 E. Harrison Avenue, Claremont, CA and to the Claremont Presbyterian Church. 
 
Memorial services will be held at 3:00pm Sunday May 18, at the Claremont Presbyterian Church, 1111 N. Mountain Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 with a reception at the church following after the service.
 
~ Published in Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on May 14, 2008