Malcolm E. Wheeler, age 89, of Old Chatham passed away peacefully on January 21, 2016 after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Malcolm was born May 13, 1926 in Old Chatham. He was the son of the late Walter and Sadie (Cady) Wheeler. Malcolm graduated Chatham High School in 1944 before enlisting in the United States Army where he rose to the rank of sergeant during World War II, serving as a rifle instructor. He was a crack shot for his entire life. After the War he was a carpenter and later was the long time office manager for W. Gordon Goold, Inc. Malcolm was a charter member and past treasurer of the Tri-Village Fire Company and a charter member of the Gerst Williams Post of the American Legion. Malcolm enjoyed spending time with his family and watching football, especially the Denver Broncos. He enjoyed attending the Canaan Senior Citizens lunches, his class get-together lunches and was a member of Christ Our Emanuel Lutheran Church in Chatham. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Claire (Williams) Wheeler and his children Linda (James) Benton, Gary (Linda O'Neil) Wheeler and Laurell Ordway. His six grandchildren, Geoff (Ashley) Benton, Jessica Benton, Christopher Ordway, Cassandra (Adam) Wellhausen, Matthew (Julie Moore) Ordway and Taylor Wheeler. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Alana and Shane Wellhausen and Katherine Benton. In addition he is survived by four nieces and numerous grand–nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sisters Beatrice Gustafson, Dorothy Rose and brother, Raymond Wheeler and two nephews. Calling hours will be 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday January 24 at French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue in Chatham. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Old Chatham Rural Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Tri-Village Fire House on Route 13 in Old Chatham. In lieu of flowers it was Malcolm's wish that donations be made to the Tri-Village Fire Company. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.