Rev. Ralph John Wheaton

Rev. Ralph John Wheaton, 80, of Carbondale, passed away Monday, August 22, 2022, at Herrin Hospital.

Ralph was born January 19, 1942, in Grand Haven, Michigan, to Frederick Marion and Evangeline (Stewart) Vernimo. He married Judy Lucinda Hendrickson on May 1, 1998. She preceded him in death on January 20, 2016.

He proudly served our country in the United States Navy from December 1959 to January 1968. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D Roosevelt as well as training helicopter pilots for Vietnam service.

Ralph served as a Southern Baptist Minister for over 50 years, pastoring churches in Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, and Tennessee. He also served as a home missionary in the role of church planter for the North American Mission Board.

He is survived by his special companion, Lois Tindall; his children, Darla Wheaton, Marshall (Missy) Wheaton, Dana (Travis) Leapley, Diana (Rich) Isaacs, and Matthew Wheaton, of Southern Illinois, Michael Lee Wheaton, Patrick John (Tammie) Gentry of Florida; and daughters-in-law, Debbie Wheaton of Iowa and Lucinda (Joe) McLain of Michigan; grandchildren, Austin (Amanda) Wheaton, Jimmy Carder, Tyler Leapley, Trevor Leapley, Alyssa Leapley, Sedona Isaacs, Kayce Isaacs, Bradley Isaacs, Samantha Wheaton, Geoffrey (Madi) Wheaton, Virginia (Jason) Walker Ryan, William Gentry, Elizabeth (Aaron) Chesling, Mitchell (Chloe) Wheaton, Joshua (Gabriela) Wheaton; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Swanson, Alice Scott, Jan Cowley, and Marie Raber; and several nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Ralph John Wheaton Jr. and Nicholas Wheaton; brothers, Terry Lee Vernimo and Fred Vernimo; step-fathers, Warren Marshall Wheaton Jr. and Richard McLain; daughter-in-law Joyce Wheaton.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Per Pastor Wheaton's request, this will be a private event catered by his family's barbecue team, Kinfolk BBQ.

For more information, visit rigginpillatschburkefh.com.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville assisted the family with cremation services. 

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