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WHEATON -- Gerald Arthur Wheaton 'Gerry', 1920 to 2005; fun loving prankster, enjoyed by all, was called home peacefully in his sleep after a long full life on April 21st, 2005. He enjoyed large family gatherings where there was always an abundance of laughter and "wonderful food". Gerry was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he joined the Navy at the tender age of 17. He met Katherine Laurie on September 3rd, 1943 and she changed his life forever. He shipped out for two years with Kathy constantly on his mind. They married upon his return, August 28, 1945. She gave birth to three boys in rapid succession before she was 22. Their oldest son, Jimmy, died from an accident at the age of 6. Gerry, a Pearl Harbor Survivor, served 8 years in the Navy from 1938 to 1945 then re-upped for 13 more years in the USCG. They traveled form the gulf coast to Alaska with Paul and "Baby Gerry" in tow for 13 years. The couple retired from Military life and finally settled in Seattle in the 1960's. Gerry worked at Boeing Aircraft Company as a Fireman and Fire Inspector for twenty years. Their daughter Karla, was born in 1965. The couple retired in 1984 and relocated to New Mexico in 1997 to relax into their Golden Years with their daughter and her family. Their son Jimmy precedes him in death. Gerry is survived by his devoted wife and companion of 59 years, Kathy; his daughter Karla Barela and her husband, Richard, granddaughter, Morgan; grandsons, Marc, Richard, and Patrick all of their family home in Tome, NM; his son, Paul Wheaton and his wife, Rosemary; his son, Gerald "Dewey" Wheaton and his wife, Jane; grandson Gerald Douglas; granddaughters, Gretchen and Kristin, and six great grandchildren all from the greater Seattle area; and a granddaughter, Georgie and great-grandson, Rainy of Florida. He will be lovingly remembered during a Memorial Service at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Tome on Friday, April 29th at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jose Hernandez officiating. A reception will follow at the family home in Tome. Interment with Military Honors will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday May 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home in Belen 864-4448.
        Published on: Sun April 24, 2005