Richard Allen Wharton, Sr.

Richard Allen Wharton, Sr., 97, of Bellville, died Friday, December 23, 2016 at Country Meadows Care Center. Born May 26, 1919 in Mansfield, Ohio, he was the son of Forest and Ethel Clare (Meek) Wharton.

Richard served in the United States Army from 1944-1946 during World War II receiving a Battle Star for his combat missions, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon and an Asiatic Theater Ribbon (160 Reg. Infantry, 40th Division). Following his discharge, he was a farmer for several years and later was employed at the HiLo Trailer Company, as a truck driver for Darling Construction and in the maintenance department at Morning View Care Center. He was a former member of Newville Methodist Church.

Richard was a family man who loved to spend evenings with his children and was involved with their many activities over the years in school and at church. He loved sports and was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians and Browns and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He took up golfing in his 60's and loved the game having two holes in one.

He is survived by his daughters, Carol (James) Lifer of Butler, Janis Spayde of Hilliard, Joy (Joe) Greene of Lexington and Susan (Hans) Schmalzried of Whitehouse; grandchildren, David (Mary Ann) Lifer, Steven (Christine) Lifer, Jeff (Pam) Wharton, Cheryl (Hector) Villa, Chris (Don) Taylor, Joe (Jennifer) Greene, Jen (Erik) Schneeg, Jason Greene, Peggy Adrian, Pam Germani and Erica (Trevor) Morse; 22 great grandchildren; and six great great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda (Alexander) Wharton whom he married January 25, 1941; a son, Dick Wharton; sisters, Lela Milligan and Eva Wharton; and brothers, George Wharton, Ivan Wharton and Wilmer Wharton.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Oak Grove Memorial Park conducted by Pastor Jim Lifer. Military honors to be presented by the US Army. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Clearfork Athletic Boosters.

Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of Richard Allen Wharton.