Wilford Wheaton
Haubstadt - Wilford Eugene Wheaton, 86, of Haubstadt, IN, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022, at North River Health Campus in Evansville, IN, following a long hard-fought battle with Parkinson's Disease. He died peacefully with his family at his bedside. Gene was born on July 3, 1935, in Elberfeld, IN, to the late Wilford and Carrie (Bertram) Wheaton.
Gene grew up on the family farm in Wheatonville, and enjoyed time spent there throughout his life. He was a lifetime member of the New Jerusalem United Methodist Church. Gene served as a Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Gene was a graduate of Elberfeld High School, Oakland City College, and Indiana University. He played high school basketball and went on to be an IHSAA certified basketball official for over 20 years. He was a devoted fan of the IU Hoosiers and New York Yankees. Gene served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve.
Teaching was Gene's passion. He taught at Fairlawn Elementary School from 1957 to 1984 and Oak Hill Middle School from 1984 to 2000. When school was not in session, gardening filled his time. He enjoyed all aspects of gardening, especially sharing the harvest with others.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Martha Jean (Riddle) Wheaton; son, Michael (Michelle) Wheaton; daughter, Tamara (Paul) Allison; grandchildren, Rachel Wheaton, Carrie Allison, Luke Allison, and Hannah Wheaton; sister, Phyllis (Bill) Kitchens; and goddaughter, Elizabeth (Lee) Muster.
Special thanks to family friend, Marjan LaGrange, for many years of help and support.
Funeral Services will be on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at New Jerusalem United Methodist Church in Elberfeld, IN, with Pastor Lisa Resler officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, April 15, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, IN and again on Saturday, April 16, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church. Burial will be at North View Cemetery in Elberfeld. Military Honors will be performed by the veterans of Gibson County at the graveside. Memorial contributions may be given to the New Jerusalem United Methodist Church building fund, P.O. Box 270 Elberfeld, IN, 47613. Expressions of sympathy can be made at stodghillfuneralhome.com.
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