West Gardiner — David C. Wheelock, III, 85, of West Gardiner, Maine, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026. He was born in Augusta, Maine on October 29, 1940, the eldest child of David Clifton Wheelock Jr., and Arlene Lillian (Pratt) Wheelock.

David lived a full and meaningful life defined by generosity, kindness, a love of the outdoors, and an unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community. He graduated from Hall-Dale High School in 1959 and enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country.

Following his military service, David married his high school sweetheart, Catherine May Martin, and together they built a home and raised their family in West Gardiner, Maine. Their home was a warm and nurturing place with an open door for neighbors, relatives, and friends who gathered for yearly traditions. Food, laughter, and love was always central to their family.

David worked in electronics at Bath Iron Works before beginning a successful career as a technician with Xerox. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Quality Copy in Hallowell in 1985, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2015. Along with his father, he also ran Dave’s Pizza in downtown Hallowell in the late 1960’s.

Everyday moments that he shared with the people he cared about were among the things that made life special to David, whether it was breakfast with Don at Bolley’s, lunch with Jim at Nellie’s, or spending time with Harry on the boat. As an outdoorsman, he found great joy in hunting and fishing. His lifelong friendship with Gene was especially meaningful, sharing countless adventures.

David and his wife Catherine made many memories together exploring other countries and cultures, often traveling with dear friends Jim and Delores. Among the most memorable adventures for David were a camel ride in Morocco and heli hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

David was also a talented woodworker who built beautiful furniture for his family that incorporated the walnut trees from their land. His family would eagerly await Christmas morning for the unveiling of the year’s creations, all of which will be treasured for years to come.

Giving back to community was important to David. He was a member of the West Gardiner Rod & Gun Club serving as a hunter safety instructor, on the Board of Directors for the Hubbard Free Library, a member of the American Legion Goodrich-Caldwell Post 6 in Hallowell, as well as a volunteer firefighter for the Hallowell Fire Department in the late 1960’s. He always looked forward to the yearly Hall-Dale High School reunion and gathering old photos of the Hallowell community that would be displayed during Old Hallowell Days.

David’s life was shaped not only by his immediate family but also by those who stepped forward during difficult times. Following the untimely death of his mother, his Uncle Bud, Aunt Mary, and close family friend Tom played important roles in his life. He remained grateful for the many people who helped form the man that he became.

David is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Catherine May Wheelock of West Gardiner; his children, Kristin Sondra Wheelock of Hallowell (partner Neal McPartlin, and children, Lauren, Mitchell, and Luke); Shanna Lynn Wheelock of Lubec; and Jayson David Wheelock of Windsor (partner Melissa Labbe, and children Canaan and Addison). He is also survived by his sister June Winifred Doody of Bangor, his niece Tina Marie Doody of Bloomfield, New Jersey, and his aunt Mary Pratt of West Gardiner, as well as many dear friends and extended family members who will miss him deeply. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, Maya. David was preceded in death by his father David Clifton Wheelock, Jr., his mother Arlene Lillian Wheelock, and a younger brother, Timothy John Wheelock.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Senator Inn in Augusta from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. All who knew David and enjoyed his presence are welcome to join his family in celebrating his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Hallowell Food Pantry or P.A.L.S. in Winthrop.

Arrangements are under the direction of Staples Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photographs may be shared with the family through the Staples Funeral Home website.