Raymond E. Wharton

February 20, 1952 - February 22, 2018

Raymond Earl Wharton, 66, of Oskaloosa, died Thursday, February 22, 2018, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born Tuesday, February 20, 1952, in Des Moines, the son of Harold and Fairy Mincer Wharton. Ray graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the Class of 1970. Following his graduation, Ray joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served during Vietnam. Following his discharge in 1974, Ray went to work at Rolscreen in Pella for 25 years and later at Vermeer in Pella for a couple years until a stroke forced his retirement in July 2011. In 1973, Ray was united in marriage to Lois Fowler and they later divorced. To this union two daughters were born, Bonnie and Jennifer. In 1982, Ray was united in marriage to Barbara Hudson in Oskaloosa and they later divorced. To this union two daughters were born, Tabitha and Amanda. Ray enjoyed socializing, gambling, watching T.V. and westerns and classic rock ‘n roll. He is survived by his four daughters: Bonnie Amaya, Jennifer (& Steve) Wilt and Amanda Ramirez all of Ottumwa and Tabitha (& Anthony) McClendon of Oskaloosa; 9 grandchildren: Ace Barnard, Carrie Platt, Alex Amaya, Manuel Ramirez, Javier Ramirez, Olivia McClendon, Arianna Wharton, Mia Lee and Jayda McClendon; two great grandsons, Jace and Easton; and three brothers: Roy (& Linda) Wharton of Pella, Butch (& Judy) Wharton of Oskaloosa and Ronald (& Phyllis) Wharton of Fremont. He was preceded in death by his parents. As was his wish, Ray’s body has been cremated and no visitation is planned at this time. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.