John Wharton

John “Jack” Sherard Wharton, 88, a native of Goldsboro, N.C., and resident of Houma, La., died at Wayne Memorial Hospital on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009.

Mr. Wharton was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served as the first Officer of the Deck of the LST 137, which transported British troops to France on D-Day. After leaving the Navy, he continued to serve in the U.S Naval Reserve for almost 30 years, retiring as a lieutenant commander.

A former employee of Gulf Oil, he later served as the manager of Cozart Packing Co., and also worked with Toledo Scales in North Carolina.

Mr. Wharton was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Golden K, Boy Scouts, local theatre and the American Field Service. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, presided over the PTA at three local schools, volunteered in the area soup kitchen and delivered Meals on Wheels. He also sang with barbershop quartets, St. Stephen’s choir and the Third Century. He also served as secretary-treasurer of the local ROA (Retired Officers Association) for three years and then presided over the Eastern Carolina chapter of ROA.

He is survived by his wife, Annie Laurie C. Wharton; daughters, Lesley (Robert) Marcello, Priscilla Wharton and Ann (Richard) Shull; son, John (Amy) Wharton Jr.; stepson, William Robert Crawford; stepdaughter, Laurie (Dr. Robert) Harding; four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Dr. Gustavo) Fabrega, U.S. Army Capt. Margaret Marcello, John “Joey” and Wendy Wharton; step-granddaughter, Emily Southerland; sister-in-law, Vivian M. Wharton; and niece Betsy F. Wharton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lilla Lee Sherard Wharton; his wife June Y. Wharton; and brother James Leslie Wharton Jr.