Kenneth Wharton

Kenneth "Salty" Wharton, 72 of Dalton, passed away peacefully at his home on April 2, 2012 with his beloved wife Jane and precious dog Rosie at his side. Salty has crossed the Finish Line! The checkered flag is waving. He is headed to Victory Lane to be interviewed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Salty was born on June 5, 1939 in Blachleyville, Ohio to the late Boyd and Evelyn (Heffelfinger) Wharton. He graduated from the former Shreve High School in 1958. He moved from Wooster to the Dalton area in 1984. He married Jane Thomas on August 19, 2000. She survives. He retired from Base Corporation formerly Morton International in Orrville, Ohio. Salty's love of Nascar Racing and Dirt Track Racing at Wayne County Speedway were his greatest pastimes. Jeff Gordon was his favorite driver. Lawn mowing, playing poker, gardening and mushroom hunting were his passions. He enjoyed people and loved to joke around. All people who knew him and loved him will always remember his kindness and fun loving spirit. Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Brad (Connie) Wharton and Scott (Mel) Wharton of Wooster, Ohio, daughter Kim (Jonah) Howells of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are stepson Justin Thomas of Massillon and stepdaughter Jocelyn (Tim) White of Dalton, grandchildren Justin (Michelle) Howells and Kristine Howells of California, Nolan Wharton of Kent, OH and Carley, Kelsey and Drew Wharton of Wooster, his step grandchildren Michaela and Matthew (his little buddy) White of Dalton, great grandchildren and Grayson and Charlotte Howells of California. Salty's brother Stephen (Mary Wharton and sister Joan (Dick) Graham of Wooster also survive. Last but not least are his dearest friends Bob Eicholtz, Dave and Linda Sword, Terry Santmyer, Larry Fiscus and his precious dog Rosie who all made his last days peaceful and happy. A service to celebrate Salty's life will take place on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. at the Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales NE, Massillon, Ohio with Fr. Thomas Cebula officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow a luncheon at St. Barbara's Parish Life Center. The burial will be at Martin's Mennonite Church Cemetery in Orrville, Ohio The family suggests memorials to St. Barbara Catholic Church, 2813 Lincoln Way West, Massillon, OH 44647. Always remember – There is hope in your future if God is in your present. Faith in God changes the meaning of death. It no longer signals the end, it marks the beginning. Grief without God's presence ends in despair. Grief with God by your side is no less painful, but it ends with hope. For those who believe in God, death brings an end to sorrow and pain. The sadness of those left to mourn is diminished when they celebrate this fact. Grief is an expression of your love. Your hope in the midst of grief is an expression of God's love.