Loren "Tater" Dean Wharton

Loren “Tater” Dean Wharton, age 57, of Mason, Illinois, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of life will be held on July 11, 2026, at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to help with expenses. The family request casual dress and that Tater's favorite color is orange. 

Tater was born on September 11th, 1968, in Effingham, Illinois to Raleigh (Gene) and Harriet Wharton, the fifth of six children. In school, he had a special gift for baseball and was dedicated to helping out on the family farm. He welcomed his twin girls to the world on September 23rd, 2003. He married his wife, Stacy Jones Wharton, on October 2nd, 2021, and they had many cherished trips to Land between the Lakes to celebrate their marriage.

Tater worked in the oil transportation industry, most recently for PETCO and as a farmer his whole life. Tater was a friend to all and could often be found catching up with a buddy over a cold beer. Those that knew him, loved him and would describe him as easygoing, generous, and a touch mischievous. Tater was a lifelong Allis Chalmers fanatic and spent his last few years restoring a vintage tractor that he was so proud to show off. He liked taking side-by-side rides through nature and to admire his perfectly straight rows of crops. When anyone needed a helping hand, Tater was there, expecting nothing in return. He will be remembered fondly by his twinkling eyes and sweet smile.

He was survived by his wife, Stacy Wharton, Mason, Illinois; Children, Tegan (husband, Jayden) Booth, Austin, Texas, Tayli Wharton, Altamont, Illinois, and his step-son, Wade Stuckey, Altamont, Illinois; his siblings, Scott Wharton (Jo Ellen) Greenville Illinois, Marsha (Bob) Nolan Farina, Illinois, Carol (Jerry) Ruffner Mason, Illinois, Darcy Rhoades, Littleton, Colorado, and Sister-In-Law Julie Wharton, Mason, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Raleigh (Gene) and Harriett Wharton. Grandparents Raleigh and Pearl Wharton and Orville and Ellen Calhoun, Brother Raleigh Jr (Bud) Wharton.