Gary K. Wheaton ’62

Gary Kenneth Wheaton passed away at home at age 82 on January 29, 2023. Gary was born December 11, 1940 in Millinocket, Maine to parents Kenneth Cecil Wheaton and Harriet Marie (MacKenzie) Wheaton.

Gary graduated from Stearns High School in 1959 and from Maine Maritime Academy in 1962. He was drafted into the US Army and served in Vietnam. After serving in the military Gary spent 25 years in the Merchant Marines, spending several months a year living at sea. He then worked in Fort Belvoir before fully retiring. In his later years he and Brenda enjoyed picnics on Skyline Drive, Washington Nationals games, and phone calls with his lifelong best friend Stewart “Butch” Farquhar of Millinocket. Gary’s greatest joy was visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda Gayle Wheaton, whom he met on a blind date in 1964. He is also survived by his children Gary Jr (Brenda Lee) of Fauquier, James (Colleen) of Alexandria, and Kelly Barton (Marc) of Stafford. He was known as “Papaw” to grandchildren Gary III, Jessica (Neil), Jaime, Jennifer, James McGraw, Ashley, Emily, and Marcus, and great grandchildren Ashlyn, Kylie, Cadence and Neil. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary J. Shannon of Millinocket.