Russell B. Wheeler

Russell Bailey Wheeler, 89, of Camp Hill, PA, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026. Born in West Fairview on March 10, 1936, he was the son of the late Lester Murray Wheeler, Sr., and Ruth (Young) Wheeler.

Surviving Russell is his wife and best friend of 46 years, Barbara Ajjalon Wheeler; children, Russell Bailey Wheeler II and Lisa Ann Herenisey; step-daughters, Kelly Anne Hoffman (Jason) and Nancy Marie Smith (Paul W., Jr.); granddaughter, Megan Nicole Wheeler; and step-grandchildren, Emily Anne Hutcheson and Shelby Ajjalon Smith. He also leaves behind a sister, Romaine Boyce Reiner (Warren) of Bridgewater, NJ; sister-in-law, Joyce Wheeler of both Marysville and Harrisburg; nieces and nephews, Ruth Shavel (Jon) of Yardley, Wesley Boyce (Lisa) of Bernardsville, NJ, Michael Wheeler of Mechanicsburg, and Wendy Witmer of SC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Gretchen Virginia Wheeler (d. 1978); granddaughter, Lynzie Wheeler; and a brother, Lester M. Wheeler, Jr.

Russell was a 1954 graduate of the former New Cumberland High School and proudly served his country in the United States Naval Reserve for eight years. Professionally, he was a Corporal with the Lemoyne and West Shore Regional Police Departments where he worked for thirty-four years until his retirement in 1998. Russ was also an armed guard with Schaad Detective Agency on the PA Turnpike from 1997-2007, and he was a driver for Harrisburg Auto Auction from 2010-2017.

A member of Masonic Lodge #302 and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #78, he also enjoyed giving back with the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club (PA Chapter XII). Russ loved traveling with his wife and took great pride in his family.

A stand-up guy, whose straightforward—and sometimes brutally honest—nature drew others to him, he was genuine and had a great sense of humor. He maintained close friendships with Lon and Jackie Strayer; George Schumacher; Jeffrey O’Donnell; Bob and Linda Losh, Jack and Sue Brown, and Dean Abbey and Gail Norford; as well as several dear friends who preceded him in death, including Steve Spong and Ken Bowman.

In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to the Blue Knights (PA Chapter XII), 61 Pine Street, Dillsburg, PA 17019.