Dr. Charles B. Wheeler

A Kansas City native, Dr. Wheeler graduated from the Kansas University Medical School and then entered the Air Force Medical Corps, where he served as a flight surgeon. After being discharged, he returned to Kansas City as director of laboratories at the former Kansas City General Hospital. Later, he owned and operated for many years Wheeler Medical Laboratories.

Continuing his education, he received a law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School.

* A pathologist who is trained in CSI, Dr. Wheeler began his political career by being elected Jackson County Coroner in 1964.

* In 1966, Dr. Wheeler was elected to the former Jackson County administrative court, where President Harry S. Truman began his political career.

* During a historic four-year period, the three-member court submitted to voters more than $100 million in bond issues, including $43 million to build the Truman Sports Complex and $13 million to establish the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. Voters approved all seven issues on the ballot.

* In 1971, Dr. Wheeler ran successfully for Kansas City Mayor. He was re-elected in 1975.

* Dr. Wheeler’s accomplishments as mayor included pushing successfully for public funding to help build Kemper Arena and for voter approval of funding for the Bartle Hall Convention Center. He also worked with former Kansas City Police Chief (and later FBI Director Clarence M. Kelley) to stabilize the River Market area. The entertainment district, then called the River Quay, had come under the influence of organized crime.

* In 2002, the Kansas City Municipal Downtown Airport was rededicated as the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport in appreciation for Dr. Wheeler’s dedication to air-service expansion for residents of the Kansas City area.

* In 2002, Dr. Wheeler returned to elective office, successfully winning a seat in the Missouri Senate, succeeding long-time friend and political ally Harry Wiggins.

* In the Senate, where Dr. Wheeler served from 2003 to 2007, he helped enact a law that took steps toward protecting doctors from excessive malpractice verdicts. The Missouri Medical Society honored Dr. Wheeler for his legislative contributions. Dr. Wheeler served on the Senate agriculture, economic development, medical and judiciary committees.

* Over and above a long history of effective public service, Dr. Wheeler is a licensed stockbroker and insurance agent. He also served for two years as president of the former Westport Bank of Kansas City. He is a past president of the Missouri Municipal League and the Missouri Society of Pathology.