Joseph Crockett "Joe" Wharton, Iii

Joseph Crockett "Joe" Wharton, III of Battle Creek, MI

Joe, age 72, died unexpectedly Sunday Morning, July 7, 2019 at his residence.

Joe, the son of Joseph Crockett and Thelma Maxine (Davis) Wharton, II, was born in Chicago, IL September 5, 1946 and moved to this area in 1956. He served his Country Honorably and Nobly during the Vietnam War as a Sergeant in the United States Army. Joe was a former Battle Creek Police Officer for 16 years and retired in 2013 after 28 years as a Probation Officer for the State of Michigan in Battle Creek, MI.

Joe was united in marriage to the former Treasa D. Latta in Battle Creek on April 13, 2001 and she survives. Also surviving are his children, two daughters, DeAnn (Treagie) Lark and Noshia Wharton and son, Jody Wharton; step-children, Todd Latta, Rod (Jennifer) Hinton and Joseph Lockmiller; his sisters, Dowanna (Sonny) Clareet and Sharon (Deceased); step sisters, Doris Brown, Darlene Joyner and Marlene Wilcher; step brothers, Timmy Wharton and Tommy Wharton ; thirty five grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe's family will greet friends on Saturday, July 13th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. The Graveside Service to celebrate Joe's life will be held on Tuesday, July 16th at 11:30 a.m. in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI with the United States Army Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe's honor may be directed to the Gary Sinise Foundation (Honor Our Defenders), P. O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365 or the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.