Peter Brooks Wharton

Peter “Pete” Brooks Wharton, age 37, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, passed away on May 21, 2025.

Pete was born on July 29, 1987 to Jerrold and Mary Wharton. He grew up in Parkersburg and graduated from Parkersburg High School in 2005. He entered the U.S. Army in 2006 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Although he received an honorable medical discharge, he remained proud of his service and the time he spent in uniform. He went on to return home where he continued his education. He graduated from Washington State Community College in 2009 with an Associate Degree in Auto/Diesel Technology.

After completing his education, he relocated to Delaware, Ohio. While in Delaware he was employed by Road Link Trucking Depot and later advanced to a leadership role as Assistant Manager at Advance Auto Parts. Most recently, he had returned to the Mid-Ohio Valley and was employed by Pactiv-Evergreen in Mineral Wells, West Virginia.

He was an avid cross country, off-road motorcycle competitor with a passion for racing. Over nearly 15 years, he competed in both the WEXCR series and the GNCC circuit, where he built strong friendships and a respected reputation. One of his proudest achievements came in 2014 when he placed third in the Open C class. Cross country motorcycle racing requires tremendous stamina, mental focus, and physical endurance – qualities he demonstrated every time he got on a bike. His love for the sport and the racing community remained a defining part of his life.

He will be remembered for his kind heart, his willingness to lend a hand, and his strong sense of loyalty to his family and friends. Whether it was showing up when someone needed help. Sharing a laugh, calling to catch up or just spending time together, he was someone who others enjoyed being around. His thoughtfulness and presence will be missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Kayden Michael Wharton of Columbus, Ohio,; his fiancé, Keri Payne of Parkersburg, West Virginia and her children, Nathan, Hunter, Maverick, Axel, and Alyssa; his parents, Jerrold and Mary Wharton of Parkersburg, West Virginia; his sisters, Andrea (Andrew) Kjos of Ankeny, Iowa and Estelle (Willis) Hatcher of Hampstead, North Carolina; his aunts and uncles, James (Sharon) Dulude of North Attleboro, Massachusetts and Diana (Robert) Ridgway of New Cumberland, West Virginia; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Helen Dulude of Attleboro, Massachusetts and Denzil and Doris Wharton of Alvy, West Virginia; as well as his aunt, Deborah Dulude of North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

A memorial service will be held on May 29, 2025 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 400 Green Street, Parkersburg, WV. Family and friends may gather at 10:00 am and the service will begin at 12:00 pm.

In honor of his memory, the family invites those who wish to contribute to camper scholarships for the West Virginia Christian Youth Camp in Pennsboro, West Virginia. Donations in memory of Pete Wharton may be made and mailed to: 12 Columbine Dr., Lost Creek, WV 26385.