They call him the ‘Candyman’

By Kate Miller, Record Staff Writer

Posted 11/7/19

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous wesbite, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.

If the system cannot find your info, please call us at (636) 456-6397 or email recordclass@warrencountyrecord.com.

If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

They call him the ‘Candyman’

Posted Thursday, November 7, 2019 3:43 pm

By Kate Miller, Record Staff Writer

Alfred Wheeler has been seen at events, mostly parades, around Warrenton for some 20 years — and he has gained quite a reputation.“They call me the Candyman,” he said. “When the kids see me, they go crazy.”That’s because he doesn’t mess around with his inventory, or his candy-handling method. He’s spent years perfecting quantities, sizes, etc. His budget, which comes out of his own pocket, is about $1,500 an event.“I started with (basic) candy. Moved to popcorn. Now everything’s big,” said Wheeler, who hands out bag after bag filled with about $8 worth of goodies and cases of popcorn.He knows kids are serious about their candy, so he’s serious about giving it away.It all started when he was at a parade and noticed the people giving out candy ran out much too soon.“They weren’t doing it well enough,” Wheeler said. “I thought I could do it better.”When he took his turn, he quickly mastered the art and earned the Candyman title.“I hate to brag, but I’m that good out there,” he said. “I do more than everyone else. I never run out (of candy).”His wife of 45 years, Gale Wheeler, works at Coca-Cola in Truesdale. She said her husband passes out candy to watch the kids’ faces light up.“He’s a loving, caring person. He has a big heart,” she said. “It’s a lot of work for him, but he enjoys it and the kids look forward to seeing him.”Wheeler has made numerous appearances at Warrenton events. His most recent public appearance was at the Warrenton High School Homecoming Parade. High school students asked him to be there, and he’s proud of that.Most of all, though, he’s proud that he makes so many kids happy.“The kids love it,” he said. “It means a lot to me. If the kids are happy, I’m happy.”Wheeler is a father to three grown sons and a grandfather of seven. He spent his life working in manufacturing, on assembly lines, and also spent some time detailing cars and cutting grass.He “retired” two years ago, but works in the kitchen at Warrenton High School. He says being around kids keeps him young.“I’m 65 years old, but I don’t feel like it,” he said.Coming up on Halloween, one would think the Candyman would have a candy plan, but he’s not motivated by this holiday. It’s more of a day off so that he can prepare for the next big community event.On Halloween, “I stay home and give out small stuff,” he said.

Alfred "Candyman" Wheeler gives out candy at the Warrenton High School Homecoming Parade. Derrick Forsythe.

They call him the ‘Candyman’

They call him the ‘Candyman’

Kansas City woman faces felony drug charges after …

Truck driver seriously injured in Marthasville …

Warrenton soccer celebrates Senior Night in style

Wright City racks up stats in rolling to first win

They call him the ‘Candyman’

Attention subscribers

Please log in to continue

Need an account?

Print and web subscribers

Online-only subscribers

Non-subscribers

They call him the ‘Candyman’