Jon Ernest Wheaton

Jon E. Wheaton, 79, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, died peacefully at home with his wife at his side on Thursday, April 5, 2018.

Jon, the son of Levi E. and Bessie I. (Weaver) Wheaton, was born October 23, 1938 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and attended Kellogg Community College. Jon was employed as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 34 years, retiring in 1993.

Jon was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Catharine "Cathie" Buckley, on September 9, 1961 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Surviving are Cathie, his wife of 57 years; his children, Sherry (John) Wert of Rosemont, PA, Mike (Julie) of Kalamazoo, Kristie Lowry of Blacksburg, VA, Mark (Jane) Wheaton of Alto, Jeffrey (Lisa) Wheaton of Battle Creek, Dave Wheaton of Abilene, TX, Greg Wheaton of Belleville; 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren (with more on the way); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Jon was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters: Joanne Wheaton, Jeanne Cable, Joy Blanchard, Josephine Brown and Joyce Wheaton.

Jon was a member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. He was an avid University of Michigan sports and marching band fan and an enthusiastic Chicago White Sox fan. He loved reading books of all genres (but especially The Baseball Encyclopedia), watching classic movies and listening to music, especially jazz and big band music. Jon was lovingly referred to as "Grumpy" by his grandchildren. His family was his pride and joy; his love for them was strong and unfailing, and it endures beyond his passing.

Friends will be received from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. John D. Fleckenstein at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. Burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter, 165 S. Union St., Battle Creek, MI 49014 or the Ronald McDonald House, 1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.