Judson Burns Wharton

Judson Burns Wharton, age 94, passed away peacefully the morning of August 9th with his daughter, Gigi and daughter-in-law Teresa by his side. Jud was born July 4, 1923 in Ashland, Ohio to Judson and Mary (Faulk) Wharton. He joined 3 older sisters, Virginia, Jean and Katherine. When Jud was 4 years old the family moved to Wenatchee, Washington. Unfortunately, when Jud was 8 years old his mother passed away. This was during the Great Depression and times were tough for their family, as it was for most. At the age of 14 Jud left home and moved to Milton-Freewater, Oregon. He met and lived with the Arthur Koon family, whom he referred to as Dad Koon from that time forward. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Jud enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18, serving honorably in Leyte, Philippines and the Battle of Okinawa. When he returned from the war he met Betty Ogle on a blind date and began a new journey with her. They were married on December 20, 1947. Shortly thereafter Jud began his career as a heavy equipment operator, taking him back to the Pacific, where he and Betty lived six years in Guam. During this time his oldest son, Douglas Burns, was born. They returned to Wenatchee in 1956, just in time for their second son, Scott Judson, to arrive. Virginia (Gigi) Louise was born 9 years later. Judson worked throughout Washington over the years, including helping to build the Space Needle in Seattle, Rocky Reach and Rock Island Dams on the Columbia River, and the Hanford Nuclear Plant. Upon retirement he and Betty decided to become snow birds. They formed many strong and lasting friendships in Welton, Arizona as they made it their second home. Throughout his years in Wenatchee Jud always maintained a cherry orchard and an incredible garden that fed his family and friends, and many others in the community who purchased his produce at the Pybus Farmers Market. Judson is proceeded in his death by his parents, 3 sisters, wife Betty and oldest son, Doug. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Teresa; son Scott (Diana), granddaughters Amanda and Cassie (Chase) King and great grandchildren Jaden and Kimber (due date 9/10/17); daughter Gigi (Jeff) Baker and grandsons Brandon and Jordan. A memorial service will be held at Telford's Funeral Home on Saturday, September 2nd at 10:00 am, 711 Grant Rd, East Wenatchee, WA 98802. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Confluence Home Health and Hospice: Checks made payable to Confluence Foundation 1020 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee WA 98801 Or Wenatchee High School FFA: 1101 Millerdale Ave. Wenatchee WA 98801

Judson Burns Wharton

July 4, 1923 - August 9, 2017