A longtime fixture heading a city courtroom will be stepping down following the holidays after decades of service.

The service of Judge Terry Wheeler is coming to an end with the City of Aragon as he announced that after 20 years of service, he’s finally retiring from the Municipal Court at year’s end.

Wheeler’s decision was made official during the Aragon City Council meeting on Thursday. Judge Wheeler submitted his resignation to the Mayor in late September, but wished to wait for the word to be spread after the council was made aware of his decision.

Wheeler, who began service in 2002 with the City of Aragon on the bench, has served in other courts as Judge around the area. He had been mulling the decision to hang up his hat and finally retire after giving up other judicial duties in other cities, but it was a long-planned and dreamed-of trip to South Dakota and Wyoming he took in recent months that sealed his decision to finally retire.

“Most people look forward to age 62, 65 or even 70, so they can retire. Well,… I am approaching my mid 70’s and look forward to “not” having to check my calendar prior to making other commitments,” Wheeler said.

He has agreed he will continue to serve in a fill-in capacity in case of issues with the new municipal court judge that will need to be appointed, but expects that he’ll finally be able to take other trips around the country with his wife Darlene, who he is looking forward to spending more time with along with his children and grandchildren.

Wheeler did add that his time at the city has been full of wonderful memories, and that “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the city in this position, but as the old saying goes, “All Good Things Must Come to An End”,… meaning,… “Nothing lasts forever”.

He added his special thanks to staff who have worked with, and under him over the years as well.

“I want to add a special thanks to my Court Clerk, (Amy Sanders), all the different Mayors and Councilmembers I have served under, and the many PoliceOfficers that I have served with,” he said. “They have not only been wonderful co-workers, but also great friends.”