Dwidell Wharton

Dwidell Wharton, 85, of Little Rock, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012. He was born in Vilonia, Ark., the son of Wallace and Macie Huddleston Wharton. They moved to Cabot, Ark., when he was very young, and he spent his young years there until he went into the Army Air Corps, as it was then known prior to the Air Force. He was called to active duty in 1944 and was discharged in 1947, serving as a tail gunner on B-29's. He spent over 30 years as a medical technologist at the VA Hospital in Little Rock, now McClellan Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, retiring in 1981. He served as state president of American Medical Technologist and was awarded state president of the year in 1964 by the national organizations. A great part of his life was spent with veterans organizations. He is a 65-year life-member of the American Legion and has served as post commander and many other offices. He joined the 40 and 8 in 1965 and held many offices working his way up to chef de chemin de fer (national commander) in 1987. He also held life membership in the DAV and VFW and was active in the Arkansas Veterans Coalition. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol Scheibner Wharton; two daughters, Sherry Johnson of North Little Rock, and Phyllis Garringer (David) of Furlow; one son, Dee Wharton of Little Rock; three grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; other kin, in-laws and friends. We wish to thank the staff of Unit 1D at Tobin VA Healthcare for their care of Dwidell during his last days. A memorial service and columbarium entombment will be held 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, Eighth and Center Streets, Little Rock, with visitation to follow. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 501-224-8300. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.