WHARTON, KENNETH LAVAUGHN, January 28, 1932 – March 7, 2008

Kenneth Lavaughn Wharton, age 76, passed away at his home in Malad City, Idaho on March 7, 2008.

Kenneth was born to Olaf Auden and Norma Evelean Jones Wharton on January 28, 1932 in Clarksville, Arkansas. When he was three years old the family moved to Peoria, Arizona. When Kenneth was 14 the family moved to Malad where they remained. Kenneth graduated from Malad High School in 1949. While in school he was active in scouting and baseball.

Kenneth married May Dell Ward on December 27, 1950. They became the proud parents of two daughters and one son.

Kenneth enlisted in the Air Force in 1952. Unable to qualify for pilot training because of his eyesight, he went into military police training. In 1953 he received a medical discharge due to complications from a long struggle with Rheumatic Fever.

In 1955 Kenneth worked for one and one-half years as a city policeman, with the Alameda Police Force. During that time was given the opportunity to join the Bannock County Sheriff’s Department under the direction of Sheriff Henry (Hank) Parker. After six months he was advanced to Chief Deputy and served at the position for three and one-half years.

In 1960 Kenneth resigned from the Bannock County Sheriff’s Dept. and moved the family back to Malad to go into business with his father, Olaf, in his Blacksmith shop on first west. During this time Kenneth was appointed by Governor Smylie as the Magistrate Probate Judge, and served in that position for approximately 18 months. He also was hired by the Oneida School District as a security officer to attend all of the school functions.

In January, 1965, Kenneth took office as Sheriff of Oneida County. He served wholeheartedly for 21 years. During Kenneth’s term as Oneida County Sheriff he helped organize the Oneida County Search and Rescue and the first ambulance service. He gave many long hours of his time and service.

In 1981 Kenneth married Karen Smith Thomas and became the father to five children.

After Kenneth’s retirement as the Oneida County Sheriff in February, 1986, he went to work for the Malad Post Office as a Rural Route Mail Carrier for 10 years.

Kenneth was also the Oneida County Deputy Coroner for a few years and helped Spence Horsley at the Benson/Horsley Funeral Home.

Kenneth enjoyed drag racing in his younger years and was a charter member of the South Eastern Idaho Racing Assn. He was always very active in the Malad Lions Club, the scouting program, the Malad Little League program and working with the youth. He enjoyed being with his family and spending time outdoors. He was excellent at working with his hands and could fix anything. He loved camping, fishing and traveling in his spare time. He enjoyed the time he could spend watching grandchildren in all of their extra-curricular activities.

Kenneth was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave of his service in many callings and positions. His special memories were of the time spent as a member of the Malad Stake high Council, and as the Malad Stake Financial Clerk, working under the direction of both President Brent Evanson and President Michael J. Hess. Kenneth’s love of the gospel was exemplified through his example and the service he gave throughout his life.

Kenneth is survived by his first wife May Dell Barfuss, his three children: Sinthia Ann (Tom) Munns, David Craig (Marla) Wharton, Patricia Lindell (Ruben) Guererro, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his wife Karen Smith Thomas Wharton, children: Dan (LesLee) Thomas, Robert Shawn Thomas, Lisa Kay (Tracy) Poulsen, and Kathryn Alane (Rob) Hess, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf Auden Wharton and Norma Evelean Jones Wharton; a brother, James Everett Wharton; and a step-daughter, Vera Danise Grote.

Funeral services will be held March 13 in the Malad LDS Third Ward Chapel. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery.