Lionel E. Wheeler (Douglas), 70, of Quincy, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Friends and family are invited to Lionel’s celebration of life. The wake will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A graveside memorial service will follow at noon at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy. The Rev. Dr. Orville Jones will officiate.
Lionel was born on January 6, 1954, in Quincy, Illinois, to Chatton Wheeler. Lionel was a man of many talents and interests. He spent his professional life impacting the lives of others with his cooking skills at Tower Pizza, his meticulous work as a car detailer, and his strong presence as a bouncer. Outside of work, he was a proud member of the Baptist church.
Lionel’s zest for life was evident in his myriad interests. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the tranquility of Canton Shutte and the North Bottoms. He was a master at the card table and found joy in spirited games of spades, poker and tonk. He was also known for his love of gambling – trying his luck on the slot machines at the Mark Twain Casino. Lionel found solace in billiards and bingo and was an ardent fan of college and NBA basketball, as well as college and NFL football. In his spare time, he often watched karate movies, enjoyed the soulful sounds of soul and R&B music, and made everyone he met laugh.
He is survived by his five children, Will Flot, Shanelle Douglas, Thaddeus Douglas, Trent Douglas and Dane Douglas; two grandchildren, Isaac Douglas and Elijah Douglas; two brothers, Avery Jackson and Lawrence “Poochie” Douglas; a sister, Cassandra Glassford and her husband Earl; a sister-in-law, Jeanie Smith; an aunt, Mary Jane Ayers; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Lionel was preceded in death by his mother, two brothers, Larry Smith and Derrick Douglas, a sister-in-law, Virginia Douglas, and a grandson.
Pallbearers will be Dominic Douglas, Joe Douglas, Joe Karhoff, Randy Rudd, Brandon Douglas and Carvill Taylor. Bobby Taute will carry the casket as a volunteer.
Memorial donations can be made to the family to cover final expenses.
Online condolences and video tributes can be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.
