Larry Eugene Wharton

Jul 26th, 1946 - Feb 3rd, 2020
16 Guests

Visitation:

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

Sat, Feb. 8th, 2020 11:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM

Service:

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

Sat, Feb. 8th, 2020 2:00 PM

Burial:

Herrin City Cemetery

Sat, Feb. 8th, 2020 3:00 PM

Herrin- Larry Eugene Wharton, age 73, of Herrin, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Larry was born in Metropolis on July 26, 1946, the son of Hartsel Eugene and Elenor Lorene (Lippert) Wharton.  He married Jocelyne Gravelle on November 4, 1967 in Las Vegas. Together, they have shared fifty-two years of marriage.

Prior to his retirement, Larry had worked as a coal miner for more than forty years. He was a proud United States Marine Veteran, having served two tours in Vietnam.

Survivors include his loving wife- Jocelyne Wharton of Herrin

Mother- Elenor Wharton of Herrin

Daughter- Lori Ann and Douglas Libby of Herrin

Daughter- Angela Marie and Robert Matesevac, Jr. of Herrin

Son- Travis Ray and Kana Wharton of Herrin

Daughter- Allison Renee and Kyle Schuster of Herrin

Grandchildren- Paige Ann and Jason Ashmore of Sesser

     Jordan Elizabeth Wharton of Herrin

     Zain Riley and Paige Miles of Herrin

     Cameron Ray Wharton of Herrin

     Leah Cadence Wharton of Herrin

     Kendrix Riley Schuster of Herrin

     Taylor Renee Schuster of Herrin

Great Granddaughter- Landri Paige Ashmore of Sesser

Two Brothers- Gerald Allen and Judy Wharton of Herrin

     John Edward and Melva Wharton of Dallas, Texas

Larry was preceded in death by his father and his brother- Michael Ray Wharton.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Pastor Matt Crain and Pastor Chris Hottensen officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Honor Guard Ritual Team comprised of the Carterville American Legion Post 347, the Herrin American Legion Post 645, the Herrin VFW Post 1567, and the United States Marine Corp Flag Detail. A time of visitation will be held from 11-2pm on Saturday at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948.  For more information, or to sign the online guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com

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16 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Travis wharton

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: February 5, 2020

    Greatest man, son, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather on the face of this planet! I will never be half the man that you were but I shall always try to carry on your legacy. I want to be just like you Dad! Thank you for everything. I love you with all my heart! See you again some day!

  • Guest: Angela Matesevac

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: February 5, 2020

    Other than Jesus, my dad was the greatest man to walk this earth. He impacted the lives of everyone he met just by being himself. Always smiling, always happy and never knew a stranger. I’m so happy that he knew Jesus and is in Heaven rejoicing. Love you dad. You will be missed.

  • Guest: Travis Stein

    From: Madison, Wisconsin

    Date: February 5, 2020

    I would like to extend my deepest sympathies in the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Guest: Daghter Lori Wharton Libby

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: February 5, 2020

    Dad, you have NO idea how cherished and respected you were by others. There is no other dad that has ever lived (except Jesus) that was as great as you. I promise to be as close of an example of a human being that you were. You have loved your family like Christ does. You are true example of what a husband and daddy should be. I’m beyond thankful that I WILL see you again, along with the rest of our family for the greatest reunion ever. How I long to hug you one more time. You’ll be forever in every good memory I have. I love you and miss you beyond all understanding. Enjoy your beautiful time with Jesus on those streets of gold. See you later, daddy.

  • Guest: Marlena Burton

    From: Carbondale, Illinois

    Date: February 5, 2020

    Lori & Family,
    When I was on my way to work the other day, I thought, I haven’t seen Larry in a little bit. When I got to work someone mentioned he had a heart attack. Sometimes we would either be at the traffic light at the same time or walking in at the same time as he was about to load someone in the van. One day he had peanut butter fudge and shared, so I thought that was very kind of him. He always had a smile and so much energy. Know that his spirit is always alive in your heart and cherish the memories for a lifetime. Take comfort in God’s Love and perfect timing, God’s Spirit is truly a comforter.

  • Guest: Jackie Johnson

    From: Aiken,, South Carolina

    Date: February 5, 2020

    So very sorry for your loss. May God bless and keep you in His lovings arms.

  • Guest: Greg & Michelle Germain

    From: Onoway Alberta Canada , Illinois

    Date: February 5, 2020

    We send our condolences and prayers to all the family.
    Thank you Larry for all the great memories we have of our times together. With you and your family.

  • Guest: Stephen Piotrowski

    From: Sesser, Illinois

    Date: February 5, 2020

    “Be Not Afraid” my dear Paige, for your heart should take on the cloak of trust in the belief of salvation in which your Grandfather took refuge; for now is a time for rejoicing, knowing that the welcoming arm and hand of Christ embraces him as Christ speaks these words unto Larry Gene, “Well done. My good and faithful servant.” +

  • Guest: Rosemary Baker

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: February 5, 2020

    My condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Larry at Old Ben #25. We’ve lost a lot of great people that worked there. Everybody just called me Rosy. Prayers to the family.

  • Guest: Melanie Smith

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: February 5, 2020

    So sorry for your loss! Only time will lessen your heartache. Lean on Jesus to pull you through till you see him again. Never to be separated!

  • Guest: Melissa & Gary Maskell

    From: Magnolia, Arkansas

    Date: February 6, 2020

    So sorry for the Family’s loss. Larry was a great guy. His brother John is my step dad and I remember the trip we took with him and my mom to visit the family one year. It was a Joy to meet this amazing family that we instantly loved. Gary (my husband) loved his day of playing golf for the first time ever with the three brothers. They knew how to show a guy a great time on the golf course and off. May each of you be wrapped in our Lord’s peace for the days that lie ahead. Our prayers will be lifting each of you up daily.

  • Guest: Jeremiah Johnson

    From: Papillion, Nebraska

    Date: February 6, 2020

    Travis and I met each other in Japan and immediately became good friends. Over time, our wives and sons also became good friends. Travis is one of the most solid men I have ever known and there is no doubt he is carrying on your legacy. Proud to know him. Sleep well Marine. Your family has the watch.

  • Guest: Kathy Williamson

    From: Energy, Illinois

    Date: February 6, 2020

    My thoughts and prayers are w his family and friends. Ty for your service and may you find eternal peace and happiness which I know you will.

    Jesus be w you family!

    I’m so sorry for your loss!

  • Guest: Carl Vinson

    From: Energy, Illinois

    Date: February 6, 2020

    I new Larry many years. Went to school with him and worked with him in the coal mines. A top notch repairman. A very nice guy with that smile always on his face.
    Our condolences to the family. He will be missed but he will always be in our heart.

  • Guest: Sandra James

    From: Murphysboro, Illinois

    Date: February 8, 2020

    My heartfelt condolences to Larry’s family for your loss. I very much appreciated how kind, compassionate, and considerate Larry was to my mother and the other residents of SSL. He treated everyone with dignity and respect and always went the extra steps in looking out for people. He was such a fine man with a wonderful sense of humor. Larry, thank you for your service and your kindness. Praying for God to comfort his beautiful family.

  • Guest: Claudia Merrett

    From: Carbondale, Illinois

    Date: February 8, 2020

    Jo and family, my sincere condolences to all of you and prayers and peace. May God comfort you and give you His strength.
    Many wonderful memories of Mike and Larry at Old Ben 25 and the time they drove their motorcycles to Texas.
    It was so good seeing you both at Trinity Lutheran Preschool’s programs two years ago.
    God’s Peace.