Arthur Wheaton

Arthur Wheaton, 97, of Taunton, MA, formerly of Port Jervis, NY, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and boundless creativity.
Born in Kingston, NY, to Edmund and Loretta (Reedy) Wheaton, Arthur's early years were shaped by the Great Depression after his family moved to Pennsylvania. His determination emerged early when, at just 16, he attempted to enlist in the Army to serve in World War II. Though initially turned away, he was admitted at 17 and served as a tank mechanic in Alaska following V-J Day.
After his military service, Arthur's life took a meaningful turn when, while working as a truck driver for Markowitz Bros. Market, he met bookkeeper named Harriet Gregory. Their charming courtship began with an invitation for a motorcycle ride, which Harriet accepted on the condition that he attend church with her. Though Arthur quipped, "I didn't ask to marry you, just go for a ride on my motorcycle", this exchange marked the beginning of both their 67-year marriage and Arthur's spiritual journey. Through his newfound faith, Arthur broke the cycle of alcoholism that had affected his family for generations.
Arthur and Harriet married on May 8, 1949, and welcomed two children, Valerie and Greg. In 1953, they purchased the home where they would spend most of their lives together. During this time, Arthur demonstrated remarkable dedication to his family, working in a factory while attending night school to become a meat cutter.
Arthur had an adventurous spirit that led him on camping excursions, mountain climbs, and even daring dives off cliffs and train trestles. His mechanical brilliance allowed him to repair virtually anything-from radios and televisions to cars and household items. This same ingenuity expressed itself artistically through his painting and woodworking projects. Yet beyond all these pursuits, Arthur's greatest joy came from helping others and spending time with his beloved family.
As a devoted member of First Assembly of God in Port Jervis, NY, Arthur served in countless capacities: deacon, teen Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, trustee, treasurer, song leader, and video production specialist. He even helped construct their current building. Retirement only expanded his ministry, as he traveled with RVers to build churches, volunteered at a Christian camp repairing roller skates, and mastered new technologies to broadcast church services on local cable television.
Arthur's generous spirit and technical aptitude touched many lives. Whether teaching youth, supporting missions, or using his hands to build and repair, he approached each day with curiosity and purpose.
He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Mehl, and her husband, Jeffrey, of Esopus, NY; his son, Greg Wheaton, and his wife, Lynn, of Taunton, MA; five grandchildren: Kristen Ruiz (Samuel), Philip Mehl (Janine), Jared Mehl, Taylor Wheaton (Sheryl), and Brandon Wheaton (Brittany); and nine great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Ethan, Cammie, Joey, Gia, Landon, Aaron, Daniel, and Zachary.
Arthur's family will remember him as a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life exemplified dedication to faith and service-particularly his passion for missions work supporting children and Native American communities. The family welcomes memorial gifts to the missions department of Liberty Christian Center in Taunton, MA, where Arthur spent his final three years.
A celebration of Arthur's life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Liberty Christian Center, 159 Winthrop St., Taunton, MA. [Service will be streamed.] All whose lives were touched by Arthur are welcome to attend and share memories of this remarkable man, whose spirit of generosity, creativity, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.
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