Leslie John Wharton was born in Drumright, OK, to Carlton Earl and Mary Ann Collins Wharton on February 13, 1927. He always felt especially close to his mother and made her a priority throughout his life. A lifelong Catholic, he graduated from Holy Family Catholic School in 1944. The youngest of four boys, Les grew up wanting one thing in life: a big happy family.

Les served his country during the Second World War as a Sergeant in the 188th Parachute Regiment for the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Infantry. After the war, he spent time in school gaining the wealth of world knowledge he was known for. He met his beloved wife, Mary Ruth Gibson, daughter of Robert Lee and Jackie Hazel Gibson, at their mutual workplace in 1951, and they were inseparable ever since. In 1953, the two married and began their lives together in Tulsa.

Over the course of 69 years of loving marriage and true partnership, Les and Mary Ruth welcomed 6 children into their life. Nothing pleased Les more than to spend time with his family, instilling his humanitarian values into those around him. He was an accepting and kind man that built his relationships with others and conducted himself with truthfulness, dignity, and common good. Les passed away the morning of his 69th wedding anniversary, August 22, 2022, holding his wife's hand and surrounded by family.

Les is preceded in death by his daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth, and his three brothers, Edward, Howard, and DJ. He is survived by 5 children, Catherine Anne and Alfred Brewerton, Eileen Theresa Rutter, Paul Joseph and Lorraine Wharton, Leslie John Jr and Laura Wharton, and James Robert Wharton, his 18 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, August 26th from 5:00 PM to 7:00PM at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, Tulsa, OK. A Rosary will be held at 9:00AM on Saturday, August 27th, preceding the Funeral Mass at 9:30AM at St. Anne Catholic Church, Broken Arrow, OK. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Catholic Charities or a charity of your choice. < http://fitzgeraldfuneralservice.com/ >