Donis R. Wheaton ’58

Donis “Don” R. Wheaton, 84, died after battling a long illness, on April 12, 2021, in Novato, Calif.

A 50-year resident of Bridgton, Donis was born in 1935 in Patten, Maine. He graduated from Camden High School in 1955 and Maine Maritime Academy in 1958 with a degree in Marine Engineering. Don went to sea in the Merchant Marines after graduation and was routed through the Orient. In 1960, he completed the Maine State Game Warden Training and was stationed to Twenty Mile as a deputy warden. In 1961, he was transferred to Clayton Lake in the new Warden Camp Division I for four years, where he was then promoted to inspector warden and transferred to Division B then onto Division A. A few years later, he worked up to the rank of sergeant. Don worked for and loved the Warden Service for more than 25 years. He was the true epitome of the north woods law. Don retired from the warden service in 1985.

Don also was an accomplished certified PSIA ski instructor earning his 30-year pin. Don sold real estate in the Lake Region area and was a Shriner. He was an avid fisherman, small and large game hunter, and all-around outdoorsman. Don was always looking forward to his next trip to the “Old House” and outdoor adventures in Patten. He loved baseball in which he played throughout high school and pitched in college at MMA, as well as helped coach the local baseball teams. He had a love of cribbage games, ice cream and popcorn.

Don is survived by his children, Julie Wheaton and Gene Loper, Maine and Florida; and Peter and Lauren Wheaton (formally of Novato, Calif.), Missoula Mont. Former spouses Gerri Wheaton of Bridgton, and mother his children Marieta Wheaton of Rockport; his grandchildren, Taylor Wheaton, Dylan Wheaton, Adam and Elle Toews, all of California, Sydney Wheaton, Ryan Golz all of Colorado, Alex And Tori Toews of Illinois, Taylor Golz of Washington D.C., Alyssa Golz of Vermont, Andrew Errico, Emily Toews, Sophia Errico all of Massachusetts; his nieces, Cathy Courand, Vicky Moody, and nephew Mark Wheaton all of Maine. Nephews Dr. Alex Erickson, Max Erickson, niece Emily Auble all of California. Sister-in-laws Patricia Wheaton of Maine; cousins, Lee and late Barbra Wheaton of Patten, Ross and Jeanette Wheaton, Saco; Wyman and Janet Wheaton, California; Lonnie and Brenda Del Medico Sr. of Ohio, as well as many second cousins and great and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his brothers Bud Wheaton, Milton Jr. and sister-in-law Jane Wheaton, his niece Valerie Capone and nephew Christopher Wheaton.

A memorial date will be announced and will be held in Patten, Maine.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support.