James Marshall Wharton, 100, 0f Merkel, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2024. Funeral service will be on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Merkel, 301 Locust Street. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. The will be a visitation with the family on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Merkel. Services under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.
Marshall was born August 11, 1923 to Samuel Irl Wharton and Beattrace Zedee Carlisle in Rotan, Texas. His family moved to Lingelville, TX where he farmed until being called to serve in the military He served in the Army in Germany and Czechoslovakia during WWII. After the war, he attended Hardin-Simmons University where he met the love of his life, Joyce Mozelle Heflin. They were married June 25, 1948. Marshall was employed by Lone Star Gas Company. As a result, they were transferred to Sweetwater, Stamford, and Winters. After retiring from Lone Star Gas Co. he worked at Region XIV Education Service Center while farming in Merkel. Marshall and Mozelle were active in the churches where they lived. He was a Master Mason and member of the Lion’s Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Mozelle, his wife of 73 years; a son Charles Raymond; a sister Viva J Littlefield; 3 brothers and sisters-in law; a niece and many other relatives and friends. Survivors are daughter Blanche Elliott and husband Travis, sons James Wesley Wharton and wife Karen, David Marshall Wharton and wife Dixie, sister, Wanda Maddox, nephews Don Kite and wife Anita, Byron Kite and wife Gwen, and Ben Maddox; nieces Brenda Heffernan and husband Dan, Karen Kite, grandchildren Eric Lorah, Christopher Marshall Collier and wife Enjelique, Anthony Ryan Collier and wife Nicole, Lizanne Mozelle Hatfield and husband Jon, Kristen Wharton and husband Hunter, Halie Kay Kampert and husband Richard, 18 great grandchildren, and many friends and relatives.
Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.
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