Lawrence Wheeler named in Native American 40 under 40 class

Those honored and nominated have proven leaderships, initiative and dedication, as well as have made significant contributions to their professions and communities, according to a press release. 

Wheeler, of Marlow, said the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is a proponent of economic development in the United States, as well as Canada and by working with the Chickasaw Nation and Native American families, he said he was recommended to apply for the next class.

Wheeler said the award focuses on community service and professional development.

In Stephens County, Wheeler sits on the board of directors for the Simmons Center and the Gabriel’s House Foundation. He is also actively involved in Duncan Rotary Club and The Chisholm Trail Kiwanis. 

After stepping into the position of associate district judge at 37 years old, Wheeler said at the time he was the youngest judge in the state of Oklahoma. He said he still remains the youngest current judge in Oklahoma. 

“Right now, there’s no one who’s under 40 besides myself,” he said. 

One of Wheeler’s best moments to handle in court is adoptions. 

“Being able to witness first hand the joy of families adopting a new child into their family is an amazing experience in which to take part,” he said. 

Wheeler said he’s most proud to improve the overall court system and to reduce the time to trial from a year to 45 days on his domestic docket. 

“Leaving families in a long term limbo such as that only hurts families who need a permanent solution for their children,” he said. “Speeding this process up is what I’m most proud of.”

Wheeler, originally from Muskogee, has resided in Duncan for the past 14 years. 

He said he attended college at Saint Gregory’s University in Shawnee for two and half years before transferring to Franciscan University of Steubenville to finish out his bachelor’s degree. 

During his time at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Wheeler said he took the opportunity to study abroad for a semester. He said he graduated with a business degree. 

Before starting law school, Wheeler said he needed something to do for nine months before law school started. He said returned to Muskogee and the town opened its first Starbucks. He said he became a manager at Starbucks for those nine months. 

Wheeler said he graduated law school at Oklahoma University with a master’s in business. He said he has a joint JD-MBA, a dual-degree for Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration.

Wheeler said he interned for John Stuart and David Hammond. 

“They gave me a job offer part way through my internship with them,” he said. 

Wheeler said he worked with Stuart for a couple years before Stuart retired and he’s worked with Hammond for the last decade.

Wheeler is married to Kenzie Wheeler and they have two daughters, Emilia and Evelyn. He said he likes how Duncan feels like a small town community with bigger opportunities found in cities larger than Duncan. 

Wheeler said he loves Kiddieland and it’s one reason he volunteers with the Kiwanis. 

“Without volunteers in Kiwanis, Kiddieland doesn’t exist,” he said. 

Wheeler said Kiddieland is a “little jewel” in Duncan.

For anyone who would consider being eligible for this type of honor, Wheeler said to get involved in your local community services, nonprofits, civic organizations and more. He said by getting involved in these aspects of the community, like Rotary and Kiwanis, it’s the best way to grow as a person, both personally and professionally. 

At 15 years old, Wheeler said he made the decision to major in law with inspiration from a high school teacher. 

Wheeler said his strengths have always been reading, public speaking, writing and more, which would fit a legal profession. 

Wheeler said he’s practiced in tribal courts, in addition to Oklahoma State Court. He said he’s licensed in the federal court system. 

“I’ve had one case go up to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals,” he said. 

President and CEO of The National Center Chris James said he’s excited for the 16th class. 

“Each of these remarkable individuals has shown a commitment to going beyond boundaries to build a bright future for Indian Country,” James said. “They join more than 600 past honorees in what has been an increasingly tight-knit and collaborative group. I’m excited to celebrate the 2025 class’s achievements at RES 2025 and follow their success in the years ahead.”  

Vice Chair of The National Center’s Board of Directors Lillian Sparks Robinson said these individuals are shaping the future. 

“The 2025 class of Native American 40 Under 40 awardees reflects the depth of talent, dedication and leadership within our communities,” Robinson said. “These individuals are shaping the future of Indian Country and setting a powerful example for generations to come.”

Wheeler said he always thought he would be in private practice. He said opportunities to run for office fell into place for him. 

Wheeler took office for the position of associate district judge in January 2023.

For the future, Wheeler said he wants to continue to serve Stephens County familles. 

“I feel like my strengths are with the family side of the law,” he said.