John R. Wharton (85), loving father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and resident of Farmington, passed away Friday, September 29, in Fairmont. John, a friend to many in the communities of Boothsville, Farmington, and his longtime residence of Littleton, was a tireless supporter of the United Methodist Church. He enjoyed entertaining his friends and family with a generous spirit and hilarious stories and kept everyone in his near and distant family connected. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Neva (Kuhens) Wharton, as well as his parents, Willow “Pauline” (Crow) Wharton and Ray Franklin Wharton, and two brothers, Ronald Howard “Ronnie” Wharton, and Harry Franklin “Sonny” Wharton, all of Littleton.
John is survived by his brother, Larry Michael “Mike” Wharton, and sister-in-law Rhonda, his sons, Johnny (wife, Kathy), Andrew (“Andy”), and Jason, and his dear companion of the past decade, Ms. Kate Cain. His granddaughters, Ali, Jill Wharton, and Sarah (Wharton) Schroen, along with their families, mourn the loss of a truly original and endlessly kind Granddad. He was a man who knew how to bring out the best in others. John never passed up a chicken roast, a game of horseshoes, or failed to lend a hand to those in need. He frequently reminded his loved ones to enjoy life, be themselves, and, above all, to have fun.
John served in the US Army Reserve after graduating from Hundred High School and later built a career over 25 years working for major regional railroad companies before retiring as Supervisor for MARTA Track in 2005. Following his retirement, he became centrally involved in community work through his church and could often be found pitching in with local food drives or fundraisers throughout the greater Fairmont area.
A celebration of John Wharton’s life will be held at Boothsville United Methodist Church (19 Boothsville Road, Fairmont), on Sunday, November 5th from 1-3 p.m. All are welcome. Friends, family, and acquaintances are invited to enjoy refreshments and share their memories. Pastor Michael Richards will officiate.