William ‘Bill’ L. WhartonMARION – William “Bill” L. Wharton passed away at 2:11 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at his home at Lake Tippecanoe.
Bill was born in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 18, 1933, and was adopted by John and Elmira Wharton. He was raised in Marion. He graduated from Marion High School in 1951 and attended Butler University before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he graduated from Ball State University in 1958 and began a career in Marion with the Foster-Forbes Glass Company. Bill subsequently spent 36 years as a sales representative and retired in 1994. In July of 1996, he and his wife, Barbara, relocated to their home at Lake Tippecanoe, in northern Indiana.
At the time of his death, Bill was a member of the Marion Aero Club and American Legion Post 253 in North Webster. He was also a past member of the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club.
Bill enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play various sports. He also enjoyed watching IU basketball and Indianapolis Colts football. His hobbies included fishing and playing golf.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elmira; and his first wife, Barbara. Survivors include his wife, Janice; sons: Jeff (Jennifer) Wharton, Brentwood, Tenn.; and Scott (Debby) Wharton, Carmel; stepson, Brent (Lisa) Ellingwood, Fairmount; stepdaughters, Angie (Dennis) Sokol, Leesburg; and Cindy (Ted) Bishop, Franklin; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 25 at Temple Congregational Church, 1006 N. Western Ave., Marion.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life will begin at 1 p.m. Pastor Jeff Jahn will be officiating with burial taking place at Estates of Serenity.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Barbara L. Wharton Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of Grant County, 505 W. 3rd St., Marion, IN 46952; or the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St., North Webster, IN 46555.
Memorial may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
