The Hon. Merlin G. Wheeler (Ret.) served as a judge for the 5th Judicial District Court of Kansas. Wheeler was appointed to the bench by former Governor Mike Hayden in 1990. He retired on September 2, 2022.
The 5th Judicial District encompasses Chase County and Lyon County. Over the course of his judicial career, Wheeler played an instrumental role in the creation of a child visitation and exchange center, a citizens review board, and a child advocacy center.
Wheeler earned a bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University in 1974. He then completed a J.D. at Washburn University School of Law in 1977.
After graduating from law school, Wheeler began his legal career as the City Attorney for the City of Emporia. He served in that capacity until 1980, at which time he entered into private practice.
His memberships have included the Kansas District Judges Association, the Kansas Bar Association, and the Lyon-Chase County Bar Association. He has also been involved with the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of the Flint Hills, the Hi-Noon Kiwanis Club, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.
He is a recipient of the Award for Judicial Excellence from the Kansas District Judges Association.
Wheeler and his wife, Deborah, have one daughter. When not presiding over legal proceedings, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.