Mackie Lee Wheeler, of Flagstaff, and formerly of El Cajon, CA, passed away peacefully at home on his 93rd birthday, March 25, 2011, with his family at his side.

Born in 1918 in Coalgate, OK, he was the son of Ruth and Luther Wheeler, previously deceased. Mac was a 30 year veteran of the Marine Corps and a surviving POW, captured on Wake Island in WWII, as well as a veteran of the Korean War. Recently honored by the VFW for his military service at an awards dinner and honored on Veteran's Day 2010 in an article written by Betsy Bruner, Mac was expected to receive the Purple Heart.

Mac will be remembered for his sense of humor, his generosity and fairness, as well as his friendship. He provided for and loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Juanita, two daughters, Jo Nielsen and Ann Sampson (Greg) and two grandchildren, Nathan and Leah Magers.

A private family service is planned, with a celebration of his life at a later date. The family requests that donations be made to Northland Hospice, who so graciously and skillfully supported us through this process.