Edward Calvin Wharton Sr.

Dr. Edward Calvin Wharton, evangelist, educator, and author, was born on February 1, 1931, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on October 21, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. Raised in Dallas by his mother Lois Elkins Wharton and brother William Wallace Wharton Jr. during the Great Depression.

Edward met Martha Lee VanLandingham in Dallas, and they married on December 27, 1953. Ed served in the United States Air Force in 1954-56. They moved to Florida to study at Florida Christian College, where they followed the esteemed Homer Hailey. Ed’s first son, Edward Calvin Jr., was born during this time in 1956

The family later returned to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, settling in Hurst, Texas, where Ed preached at a local church, and their second son, Michael Anthony, was born in 1958. In 1963, Ed and Martha moved to Lubbock, Texas, to help establish the Sunset School of Preaching with Cline Paden. Their third child, Pamela Ann, was born in Lubbock in 1963. In 1965, they relocated to Denver, Colorado to start the Bear Valley School of Preaching before returning to Lubbock to SSOP in 1967 to continue developing the curriculum and his passion of training gospel preachers. Ed’s fourth child, Teresa Marie, was born in Lubbock in 1970. Ed also attended Abilene Christian University. Ed received his masters and doctoral degrees through years of study from several universities and travels.

Throughout his life, Ed was dedicated to his mission of preaching and teaching the Word of God. He traveled extensively across all continents, including Africa, India, Asia, Europe, Indonesia, the islands, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, Ukraine, and throughout the United States, including numerous cities and small towns in Texas. His efforts were focused on building and developing churches, strengthening teachers and preachers, and promoting the accuracy of the scriptures of Bible.

Edward taught Bible at Sunset International institute for 56 years. SSOP 1963-65; Sept 1968-Fall 2017; Senior AIM Instructor 2018-2024. In 2016 The Kerux Award was named after Edward to begin a legacy of outstanding preachers in the brotherhood.

Books Edward authored: The Church of Christ, The Scheme of Redemption, Freed for Freedom A Study of Galatians, Redemption is…, Christian Evidences, Christianity A Clear Case of History, Christ and The Church, The Case for Historical Christianity, Redemption is Planned, Needed, Provided.

Ed Wharton’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to his faith and his passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere his foot landed. He leaves behind a profound impact on countless congregations and individuals worldwide. Ed was known for his exceptional ability and dedication to scripture memory in multiple versions of the Bible and his attention to accuracy and detail in order to more perfectly teach others God’s plan for man of grace through Jesus Christ. Ed loved the church and the detailed organization that The Lord provided for his people, The Church, throughout scripture, providing freedom through Jesus’ redemptive blood in baptism to have abundant life while here on earth and a guarantee to eternity with The LORD in heaven.

Edward is survived by his wife, Martha Lee, Daughters, Pamela Ann Carroll and Teresa Marie Hudson, and 7 grandchildren, John Michael Cole, Casey Wharton, Hayley Lewis, Sydney Carroll , Dr. Madeline Carson, Jacob Featherly, Kate Featherly, and 10 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edward's memory may be made to Sunset International Bible Institute , 3723 34th St, Lubbock, Texas 79410 US, https://www.sunset.bible/give-now.