Frank Wharton

Frank Wharton passed away on October 17, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Austin, Texas, on October 8, 1935.

Frank lived a beautiful and full life. He started playing golf at age ten after caddying for his mother. As a teenager, his trophy collection grew after winning numerous titles and championships. In 1954, Frank won the Texas High School Individual State Title. He was a graduate of Hillcrest High School in Dallas.

The University of Houston was next on Frank's journey. Beginning in his sophomore year, his Cougar golf team won three consecutive NCAA golf championships. In 1958, Frank was a member of the first All-American NCAA Golf Team. He had fond memories and many stories to share.

In the 1960s, his golf career would begin the next chapter when Frank joined the Professional Golf Association. Frank played on the PGA Tour full-time for five years and then part-time for the next five years.

He was the first golf professional to represent the Hogan Golf Company. Frank always said he played his best golf alongside the many greats, including Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Chi-Chi Rodriguez, and Jack Nicklaus. Lee Trevino would say, "In Texas, you have to go through Frank Wharton, and it won't be easy."

He found his passion and calling when he served as Assistant Golf Professional under the legendary teacher Claude Harmon, Sr. at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York. He continued to play in many golf tournaments, including winning the Westchester Open and Texas PGA Open.

In 1967, Frank moved to Akron and became the third Head Golf Professional at Fairlawn Country Club, where he served until 2009. He still holds the course record of 61, set in 1989. Frank became active in the Northern Ohio PGA and won the Ohio Open in 1968 and the Match Play Tournament in 1967, 1973, and 1981. He was named Northern Ohio Player of the Year in 1971. He won the Senior Player of the Year title in 1999.

Overall, Frank won 20 tournaments as an amateur and 20 as a professional. Another crowning achievement of his long and distinguished career was being inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 2001 and into the Summit County Hall of Fame in 2003.

But it was through his connections with others that Frank's life was truly enriched. A devoted family man, he provided unwavering love and stability to those closest to him. Golf was a bridge that fostered lasting friendships, allowing him to meet and touch the lives of many, just as countless people touched him in return.

The foundation of Frank's life was his faith. He was always focused on the Lord, allowing His guidance to shape his path. Frank often said he owed everything to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His priorities remained clear throughout his life: "God, Family, and the Dallas Cowboys, in that order." For over 50 years, Frank was a devoted member of The Chapel, faithfully serving as an usher and hosting Bible studies in his home.

In his later years, Frank faced Parkinson's Disease with courage and strength. We extend our deepest gratitude to Frank's caregivers, Brenda Book, Karen Edwards, Robin Groom, Sonya Mattingly, Tricia Morgan, and Amy Sauter. Their gentle and compassionate care over the past four years made an immeasurable difference in Frank's life.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Frank Wharton, and his first wife, Sarah. He is survived by his wife Pam, children Frank and Elizabeth, grandchildren Savannah Wharton, Shelby Norman (Chase), Austin Wharton, Sarah and Madeline Bailey, stepchildren Holly Marshall (Tucker), Amy Lovett (Patrick), step-grandchildren, Tucker and Reid Marshall, Catherine and Patrick Lovett, and Annie the golden retriever.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 23, between 4 and 6 pm at Hummel Funeral Home located at 2800 W. Market Street, Fairlawn, Ohio. Frank's life will be celebrated at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market Street, Akron, Ohio, on Friday, October 24, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3362) and The Chapel https://www.thechapel.life/giving.