Obituary: Wayne Wheaton, 76, of Branch

Wayne Wheaton

Wayne Bradford Wheaton, 76, of Branch, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at his home.  Wayne was born on December 12, 1947 in Ludington, the son of Gerald C. and Evelyn M. (Yovich) Wheaton. He grew up in the Mason County area before the family moved to Pontiac and Wayne graduated from Pontiac Northern High School.  Following his graduation he began working for General Motors at Plant 15 in Pontiac for almost 30 years before transferring to the Saginaw plant where he retired after 32 ½ years of service.  In retirement, Wayne moved back to Mason County, where he grew up, to be closer to his son.

Wayne loved spending time outdoors.  When he returned to Mason County, he was able to enjoy hunting and exploring nature, often visiting Ludington State Park with his grandchildren to hike the trails and help educate them on all nature had to offer.  He loved spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren.

Wayne will be greatly missed by his children Jennifer (Kevin) Morgan of Caledonia, Wayne (Tonya) Wheaton of Fountain, Cheryl Riggs of Belleville, and Ronald (Beth) Wheaton of Pinckney; his grandchildren Lauren Spinner, Erin (Derek) Maurer, Sean, Elizabeth, and Michael Wheaton, Kimberly, Kevin, and Austin Riggs, Katie, Brianna, Madison, and Ruger Wheaton; his great-grandchildren Kiley, Nevaeh, Serayah, and Elijah; his brothers Donald Wheaton of Arizona, and Bradley (Linda) Wheaton of Burton; his sister Lois Beuter Kier of Grand Blanc; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Evelyn; his brothers Gerry and Thomas Wheaton; and his sisters Barbara Wheaton and Eleanor Standhardt.

Funeral services will be held for Wayne at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 16 at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville.  Burial will take place at Fountain Cemetery in Sherman Township.  Friends may meet with his family for a time of visitation on Monday from 11 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Those who would like to make a memorial donation are asked to please consider the Friends of the Ludington State Park, P.O. Box 123, Ludington, MI 49431.

Please visit Wayne’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Wayne with his family.