Gene Wheatley
Walter Eugene Wheatley, known to some as “Gene” and to others as “Walt,” was born March 22, 1947, in Holyoke to Walter and Leola Mae (Milholland) Wheatley. Gene passed away at home July 11, 2019, following a battle with cancer and vascular dementia.
He completed primary and secondary education in Holyoke, graduating from high school in 1966. He went on to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, graduating in 1968, and from there to Colorado State University, earning a bachelor’s degree, graduating in 1970. Walt was a student in the pioneer program of the Aviation and Aerospace Science program at Metro State College (now MSU), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1973.
Gene was interested in aviation from an early age. He was in Civil Air Patrol as a youth and flew his first solo flight in July 1967. He flew for various carriers and was a flight instructor before being hired by United Airlines. He retired from United Airlines as a 757 captain on his 60th birthday in 2007.
Gene and Jane met and married in 1967. They have two children: son Mark Eugene Wheatley and daughter Amanda Jane Wheatley Allan. They have three grandchildren: granddaughter Olivia Jane Wheatley, age 12, and grandsons Henry Walter St. John Allan, age 3, and Declan Edward St. Paul Allan, 4 months old.
Gene was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in 1991. He and Jane have been longtime members of Holy Cross LCMS in Highlands Ranch. He and Jane moved to Castle Rock in 1989.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; half-brother, Leland Marvel Barber; and half-sister, Phyllis Mae Glick.
He is survived by his wife, Jane; son, Mark; daughter, Amanda; son-in-law, Gregory K. Allan; grandchildren, Olivia, Henry and Declan; and half-brother, Albert Henry Barber and wife Donna.
He was laid to rest July 20 at Holyoke Cemetery.