Verdie Estes Wharton, 80, of Malad, died Thursday, September 14, in the Oneida County Hospital.
He was born May 27, 1909, in Johnson County, Arkansas, to Nathaniel Joshua and Sintha A. Upton Wharton. He was reared and educated and spent his early years in the Ozarks in Arkansas.
He married Clara Ethel Bogan December 24, 1927, in Clarksville, Arkansas. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple March 24, 1956. She preceded him in death December 14, 1980.
He married Wanda Mae Ward Napier July 17, 1982, in Ogden, Utah.
In 1935, he moved to the Marsh Valley area and for several years was employed as a mechanic for the Almond Motor Company in Downey. He also farmed in various areas near Downey and Malad. He moved to Malad in 1948 and continued farming in the area for many years.
He was a member of the LDS Church, served in the Sunday School presidency and as a home teacher.
He was an accomplished musician on the banjo, guitar and violin. He enjoyed making banjos for personal use and sale.
He is survived by his wife of Malad; three sons, Doyle Eldon Wharton, Sandy, Utah, James Darrel Wharton and Dale Ancil Wharton, both of Pocatello; six daughters, Mrs. Bill (Helen) Moser, Pocatello, Mrs. Wayne (Ethelene) Worton, Ogden, Utah, Mrs. Clyde (Erma) Ashcroft, Salt Lake City, Mrs. John (Alete) Thompson, Deweyville, Utah, Wanda King, Logan, Utah and Lucille Westerberg, Boise; three step-children, Bardell Napier, Malad, Mrs. Doyle (Ilene) Wharton, Sandy, Utah, and Mrs. Seamour (Deanna) Oblad, West Valley City, Utah; 29 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren; 27 step-great-grandchildren; two bro¬thers Olaf A. Wharton, Malad, and Carl J. Wharton, Brigham City, Utah; and three sisters, Alta M. Meyers, Arimo, Pearl G. Hancock, Downey, and Bethina Hamlin, Walla Walla, Washington. He was preceded in death by one brother.
Funeral services were Monday in the Malad LDS Fifth Ward Chapel. Burial was in the Malad City Cemetery.