Former Kansas City Mayor 'Doc' Charles Wheeler Dead At 96

For our blog . . . We're FIRST to report that he's still considering another political run.

We had many great interactions with this old codger over the course of our bloggy career. We met him whilst working at Dos Mundos and he gave us a few tips in our first years of blogging. In fact, Doc Wheeler loved talking to anybody who would listen in his later years.

Not so long ago . . . We were FIRST to blog A LOT of his stuff getting auctioned off in a bankruptcy settlement. 

What we learned that day in Westport is that a life in local politics is costly and even the smartest people can let it get the best of them.

Mayor Wheeler was an unapologetic liberal in the classic sense of the word. 

He presided over an interesting time in local history that was very much like now . . . Crime spiked, the economy was garbage and Democratic Party leadership didn't provide much help. 

Nevertheless . . . He met those challenges with optimism and fortitude.

His later career in the Missouri State Senate wasn't as significant but still noteworthy. 

The basics  . . .

"Wheeler was Kansas City mayor for two terms, from 1971 to 1979, and was known as a feisty, forceful, decisive leader who projected a populist, people-oriented persona."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Maverick Kansas City mayor and Missouri legislator Charles Wheeler dies at 96

Charles B. Wheeler, a doctor and maverick mayor who presided over one of the biggest public building booms in Kansas City history, died at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Overland Park during the night. He was 96. His death was confirmed by family members and friends.

Former Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Charles B. Wheeler, namesake of downtown airport, dies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The doctor who oversaw the" golden age" of Kansas City, Missouri, as its mayor and transformed the city's skyline and infrastructure has died. Former Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Charles Wheeler - whose name adorns the downtown airport - died overnight in Overland Park, according to KCUR .

Former Kansas City Mayor, Charles Wheeler, dies at 96

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Charles Wheeler, former Kansas City mayor and Missouri politician, died at the age of 96. Wheeler served as mayor from 1971 to 1979 and as a member of the Missouri Senate from 2003 to 2007.

Former Kansas City Mayor Charles Wheeler dies at 96

Charles 'Charlie' B. Wheeler, who served the people of Kansas City as mayor from 1971-1979, has died at the age of 96. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas called Wheeler "one of the finest people ever to serve our community," in a release issued Wednesday morning.

Developing . . .