Celebrating the Life of Arthur Douglas “Doug” Wheeler, Jr.

Arthur Douglas Wheeler, Jr., of Seattle, Washington, passed away on July 4, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on February 16, 1947, to Erville and Arthur D. Wheeler, Sr., Doug was a cherished son, brother, husband, father, pastor, and friend.

Doug spent his early years in Seattle's Central District, attending St. Therese Catholic School, O'Dea High School, Garfield High School, and the University of Washington. His life was marked by a profound commitment to community service.

In the late 1960s, Doug began his career with the Seattle Police and Sheriff’s Departments as part of a research study on the effectiveness of caseworkers in jails. In 1973, he joined the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (KCPAO) under Christopher Bailey, serving as a Community Mediator. He also worked for the Seattle Police Department as the assistant director of the Victim’s Assistance Unit and with NOVA as a Grief Crisis Counselor, handling high-profile cases. Doug often spoke with pride about working in the same building where, as a child, he visited his father, Arthur Wheeler, Sr., Washington’s first Black probation officer.

These experiences highlighted Doug's passion for community and his talent for building meaningful relationships. His belief in "One Step Above Excellence" inspired many to strive for positive change.

Doug's professional and spiritual journey was remarkable. In 1982, he became the principal of Zion Christian School, (later changed to Zion Preparatory Academy). Together with his wife Elizabeth, Founder Pastor Eugene and Coreather Drayton, its Board of Directors, an amazing group of Donors, Zion United church members, the Zion Prep staff, and family, they significantly amplified the voices and educational excellence of African-American children over the course of the next 35 years. Often referred to as Seattle’s HBCU, Zion’s profound impact on education, community development, and cultural heritage will be felt for generations to come. The legacy of Zion Preparatory Academy stands as a testament to the power of community, faith, and relentless dedication to the empowerment of African American youth.

During his tenure at Zion, Doug accepted his pastoral calling and became the Senior Pastor of Christian Restoration Center (CRC).. Doug and Elizabeth co-founded and pastored CRC, together with the support of friends of CRC, community partners, and members, they created a safe haven for those seeking healing and restoration. CRC’s impact on the recovery community allowed its many members to develop a spiritual relationship with Christ. As a result, those 100+ members have maintained their faith for more than 20 years.

Doug, along with Pastors Greg Alex, Tony Morris, and Bishop Reggie Witherspoon, began a weekly fellowship that quickly mushroomed into a spiritual fellowship of inner-city and urban pastors. This influential group of powerful leaders worked together to promote reconciliation and healing in the community. Pastor Harvey Drake of Emerald City Outreach Ministries (ECOM), joined this spiritual body of pastors that became known as the Coalition for Community Development and Renewal (CCDR). CCDR launched Vision Youth, a program that reduced at-risk behavior among teens in King County and became a national model through World Vision’s Youth Empowerment Program.

In 2011, committed to decreasing the disproportionate number of black and brown youth in the County Criminal Justice Center. Doug partnered with King County Prosecuting Attorney (KCPAO) Dan Satterberg to establish the Choose 180 Program, a path towards Restorative Justice. With the support of other community leaders they founded The Community Leaders Roundtable of Seattle (CLRS). The CLRS Board of Directors, KCPAO, staff, family, youth, and friends still support the Choose 180 programs today. This pre-filing juvenile diversion program has served over 2,000 youth and families, since inception, keeping them out of the criminal justice system.

Doug's life was characterized by strong relationships, genuine love, and dedication. He will be remembered for his compassion, leadership, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and the community.

Doug is survived by his four brothers and one sister, eleven children, and host of beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

~The Viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Bonney Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98188

~The Homegoing service will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 11:00 am at

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (NBCF), 19300-108th Ave. SE, Kent, WA 98031.

~The service will be live streamed via New Beginnings Christian Fellowship | Kent (thenbcf.org).

~The Placement Service will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at 10:30 am at

Bonney Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98188

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Gordon Wheeler (Unc G) for his loving care of his brother, and for supporting the entire family. We also thank those who provided support, encouragement and prayer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to organizations that represent Doug’s love for family and community: The Matt Talbot Center, First Place/Doreen Cato Preschool, Choose 180, and

Community Passageways.