Charles Wheeler (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Wheeler
Member of the Missouri Senate from the 10th district
In office January 2003 – January 2007
Preceded by	Harry Wiggins
Succeeded by	Jolie Justus
49th Mayor of Kansas City
In office April 10, 1971 – April 10, 1979
Preceded by	Ilus W. Davis
Succeeded by	Richard L. Berkley
Judge of the Western District of the Jackson County Court
In office January 1967 – January 1971
Coroner of Jackson County
In office January 1965 – January 1967
Personal details
Born	Charles Bertan Wheeler Jr. (1926-08-10)August 10, 1926 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Died	October 25, 2022(2022-10-25) (aged 96) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Marjorie Martin Wheeler
Children	5
Alma mater	University of Missouri

Charles Bertan Wheeler Jr. (born August 10, 1926 – died October 25, 2022) was an important American politician. He served as the mayor of Kansas City for eight years. He was also a state senator for Missouri. Before becoming a politician, he was a medical doctor.

Life and Career of Charles Wheeler

Charles Wheeler was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1926. He finished high school in 1942. He came from a family of doctors. Charles went to college and then to medical school. He earned his medical degree (M.D.) in 1950.

While studying, he also served in the U.S. Navy. After medical school, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a Flight Surgeon. He worked with the famous Thunderbirds team.

After his military service, Charles studied law at night. He earned a law degree in 1959. He also worked as a pathologist, which is a doctor who studies diseases. He even started his own medical lab.

In 1965, Charles began his public service career. He was elected as the Coroner of Jackson County, Missouri. A coroner is a public official who investigates deaths. After that, he became a Judge in Jackson County in 1967.

Charles Wheeler as Kansas City Mayor

In 1971, Charles Wheeler was elected mayor of Kansas City. He served two terms, until 1979. Even though the mayor's job in Kansas City doesn't officially have a party, he was a Democrat.

During his time as mayor, many big projects happened in the city. He helped get funding for the Kemper Arena. He also helped build the Bartle Hall Convention Center. These new buildings helped Kansas City host the 1976 Republican National Convention. This was a very important event for the city.

Many people remember his time as mayor as a "golden age" for Kansas City. The Kansas City International Airport also opened in 1972 while he was mayor. The old airport, Kansas City Downtown Airport, was later named after him.

An artist named Christo created a special art project in Loose Park. It was called Wrapped Walk Ways. Mayor Wheeler even gave Christo the key to the city.

After being mayor, Charles Wheeler ran for the U.S. Senate in 1976. He also ran for mayor again in 2011, but he did not win.

Serving as a State Senator

In 2002, Charles Wheeler was elected as a State Senator for Missouri. He represented the 10th District. A state senator helps make laws for the state. He served in this role until 2007. He was followed by Jolie Justus.

Later Political Races

Even in his later years, Charles Wheeler continued to be active in politics. In 2006, when he was 79, he ran for Jackson County Executive. In 2008, he ran for Missouri State Treasurer. In 2016, at age 89, he even ran for Governor of Missouri. He was always ready to serve the public.

A Doctor in Politics

Charles Wheeler was unique because he was a medical doctor who became a politician. He was the only doctor serving in the Missouri State Senate at the time. He even wrote a book called "Doctor in Politics."

He taught at the University of Kansas Medical School. He also worked as a professor and consultant at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He received many awards for his work in medicine and public service. These awards recognized his achievements as a pathologist and his contributions to the community.