Obituaries for the week of 1/17/17
Pearson Herring Jr.
Pearson Herring Jr. was born, in Florence, South Carolina, July 2, 1944 to Pearson and Ola Herring. In 1963, he graduated from Lincoln High School in Sumter, South Carolina. After high school, Pearson joined the navy where he served four years in the Vietnam war as a gunner’s mate with a rank of G3, pay grade E-4. His service did not go without commendation. He was decorated with the National defense medal, the Vietnam service medal and the Vietnam campaign medal. After being honorably discharged in 1967, Pearson went on to attend Merritt College in Oakland, California. He completed college with an AA degree. While in college, Pearson used his natural talents of organization to help youths in juvenile detention.
Additionally, that is also where he met and married his wife, Irene Crespin Herring. From that union they had five children. Pearson was self employed and held many other jobs during his lifetime, but before he “retired,” he spent many years as a longshoreman, ILWU Local 10. In 2002, Pearson and Irene moved from Oakland to Madeline, California, to enjoy the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and livestock rancher. He finally retired again to raise cattle.
Pearson was with his wife of 47 years, Irene, when he peacefully passed away on Jan. 4, 2017. He is survived by his daughters, Margaret Herring Jefferson, (Castro Valley, California) and Barbara Marie Herring, (Santa Monica, California); his sons Pearson Herring III (Madeline, California) and Calvin Jacob Herring (Madeline, California). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ola Irene Herring. He will be greatly missed by his three grandchildren, Gabriel Herring-Luzala, Eirene Gabriella Jefferson and Hannah Isabella Jefferson.
He also leaves to cherish his memory three living siblings, Della Smith, Herman Hardy and Elbert Herring. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, Veteran family, longshoreman family and church family.
Family and friends are invited to attend a home going celebration in honor of Pearson’s life at Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd, Oakland, California 94621. Internment location will be at Union Hill Freewill Baptist Church, Olanta, South Carolina 29114
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to the Veterans Guest House 880 Locust St. Reno, Nevada.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pearson’s Madeline neighbors and family for all their immediate help and support during this very difficult time. Victor and Helen Slanina, Neil and Shelly Richards, Tony Larson and Fireman Bruce from the Madeline fire department.
Thomas Almont Wharton Jr.
Tom was born Nov. 5, 1937 to Tom and Marie Wharton. Tom spent much of his childhood in Chester and Westwood California. Being rather accident prone, his parents learned early that when Tom asked for a Band-Aid, a trip to the hospital was necessary. After Tom graduated high school, he enrolled in the army where he was stationed in Alaska. After his discharge, Tom met the love of his life, Linda Lemison, in church. They were married for time and eternity March 31, 1966 in the temple at Oakland, California. He continued to work for the government as a firefighter, and later as facility maintenance for the Forest service. Some of the structures that he built were the bathrooms at Eagle Lake and several lookout posts around Lassen County.
Tom loved and was extremely active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities within the church, including Scout Master, Bishop and High Councilman. During his service in the church, he especially loved working with the youth and young adults. As a scoutmaster and supporter of the scouting program, he assisted many young men obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. He and his wife were also often involved with the Pioneer Trek, Girls Camp and driving the youth for temple trips and dances. Their house was frequently filled with teenagers watching movies and having fun.
Tom was loved by family and friends and lived a life filled with service that impacted countless people. To his family, he was known as Tommy, to his coworkers he was called Tank, and to those at church he was Bishop Wharton; truly a man of many “hats.” Tom Wharton was swiftly called back home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday Jan. 8, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Marie Wharton; his sister, Georgie Timmins; and his brother, Ronnie Wharton.
He is survived by bride of 50 years, Linda Wharton; his brother, Bob Wharton; his three children, Tim (Cindy), Dave and Laura (Chris); 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 14, 2017 at the LDS church on Richmond Rd.