Raleigh Eugene "Bud" Wharton Jr., age 66, of Mason, Illinois passed away at Friday, December 2, 2022 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood. Mark White will be officiating. Memorials may go to Effingham Humane Society, Hope4Horses, or the donor's choice.

Bud was born on July 26, 1956 in Vandalia, Illinois, the son of Gene and Harriett (Calhoun) Wharton. He married Julie K. Niccum on July 3, 1976 in Effingham, Illinois. He was a member of the NFO, NRA, and AAA Tractor Club.

He is survived by his father, Gene Wharton of Altamont; wife, Julie Wharton of Mason; son, Andy Wharton (fiancé, Madi Cook) of Altamont; daughter, Maggie Baker (husband Collin) of Effingham; brothers, Scott Wharton (wife Jo Ellen) of Greenville and Tater Wharton (wife Stacy) of Mason; sisters, Marsha Nolan (husband Bob) of Farina, Carol Ruffner (husband Jerry) of Mason, and Darcy Rhoades (husband Corey) of Littleton, Colorado; 7 grandchildren, Trace Wharton, Briar Wharton, Charlie Baker, Kierstin Rosine, Ashlie Rosine, Adra Baker, Ethan Baker.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Harriett Wharton.