Thomas "Tom" David Joe Wharton

Thomas "Tom" David Joe Wharton, born on March 25, 1953, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to the late Mr. H. Kenneth Wharton and Mrs. Olive (Steinke) Wharton, departed this life on January 21, 2025, at his home in Wilson, Oklahoma. He was 71 years old. 

Tom was raised in the Marlow area, where he attended school in Bray and graduated with the class of 1971. Shortly after graduating, he joined the Army National Guard, serving his country from 1971 to 1977.  Tom married the former Miss Berna Howell, and together they were blessed with three sons: Rodney, Tony, and Clayton. Tom devoted many years to his career at Halliburton out of Healdton, which took him worldwide in the offshore drilling sector.

Following his first marriage, Tom entered into a second marriage with Joycelyn Mano, with whom he shared two children: Jowyn and Sade. The family began their journey together in Trinidad before eventually settling in Houston, Texas. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Tom founded his own business, TDJ Consulting, from which he recently retired. In retirement, he pursued his lifelong passion for cattle ranching, a pursuit he cherished and enjoyed sharing with his sons. Throughout his life, Tom was known for his hardworking nature, dedication as a provider, and his tough demeanor. He had a profound love for cattle and his beloved dog, Rosie, who sadly passed away shortly before him. Despite the significant challenges he faced in the later stages of his life, he remained steadfast and never voiced complaints.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joyce Caldwell, his brother Kenny Wharton, sister-in-law Linda Wharton, and nephew Gary Nichols.

His legacy continues through his survivors, which include his sons Rodney Wharton and wife Sonya, Tony Wharton and wife Cassie, and Clayton Wharton and wife Bree, all of Wilson; his daughter Sade Begley and husband Adam of New York; his son Jowyn Ward and wife Melanie of Houston, Texas; his sister Mary Nichols of Marlow; and his adoring grandchildren Carli Wharton, Collin Wharton, Avery Wharton, Witten Wharton, Bo Wharton, and Brooke Begley, along with numerous other family and friends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and support provided by Berna Wharton, Joycelyn Mano, and his very dear friend, Joann Way. Special thanks are extended to Mays Hospice, particularly to Lezlie Hacker and Michael Shores with Mercy, for the remarkable comfort they provided during Tom's final days.

Visitation and viewing will be held from 2 – 4 P.M. on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.