Paul was a KCAC champion during each of his 3 years as an athlete with the OU Braves, as well as an All-KCAC Champion in the high jump in 1951 and All-KCAC Champion in the 100-yard dash, high jump and 4x400 relay in 1952, scoring 18 ¾ points his senior season at the KCAC Championships. In addition, Paul was a yell leader and drum major for OU athletics. While enrolled at OU at the age of 16, Paul’s athletic prowess eventually garnered national attention via an invitation to try out for the Olympics. Paul declined, turning his focus instead to work with the OU Gospel Team.
Current/Past Business Profession or Occupation and Community Involvement
After his well-spent time at OU in athletics, ministry and choir, Paul pursued a path in ministerial training at Berkley Baptist Divinity School and, transferring to Union Theological Seminary in New York, earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree. Post-graduation, Paul continued his interests by modeling professionally and working in off-Broadway theatre productions while continuing his service to disadvantaged youth in the Hell’s Kitchen (Clinton) neighborhood of midtown Manhattan, New York, working with the American Baptist Churches of New York, and serving as Pastor at Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn, New York until his passing in 1965.
Family Members
Paul was the son of Rev. and Mrs. M.O. Wheaton and brother of former OU President
Wilbur Wheaton, sister Wilda Jean Wheaton, brother Myron Wheaton and is survived by
his sisters Donnis (Wheaton) Hoekstra, Evelyn (Wheaton) Price and daughter Heather (Holland) Wheaton.