Wesley Rhodes Vawter's Obituary
WESLEY RHODES VAWTER, JR., 85, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died Friday, May 29, 2009 at Baptist Hospital after a long and full life. A retired businessman, community volunteer, and woodworking enthusiast, Mr. Vawter was born January 9, 1924 in Jackson, TN, to Wesley Rhodes Vawter and Emily Black Vawter. As a youngster, he moved with his parents to Alexandria, Louisiana. He began studies at Louisiana State University but left to join the military, along with most of his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers, during World War II. He was a first lieutenant with the 466th bomber group, co-piloting a B-24 aircraft on 35 combat missions for the U.S. Air Force. After the war, Mr. Vawter began a long career with Chrysler Corporation, relocating several times throughout the U. S. over a thirty-year period. When his career travels ended, he returned to his West Tennessee roots and was blessed with nearly two decades of productive retirement in Memphis. At Mullins United Methodist Church he was a former trustee, Lay Leader and chairman of the Administrative Council. He also delivered meals for MIFA and volunteered as a driver for the American Cancer Society. A fitness buff, he continued regular gym workouts well into his eighties, and he enjoyed weekly games of golf with friends and former colleagues. The defining role of his retirement, however, was his love of woodworking. A talented and self-taught craftsman, he enjoyed creating treasures for family and friends, as well as the challenge of making repairs to fine antique furniture or simple repairs for home or church projects. Mr. Vawter was preceded in death by a younger brother, Jack Vawter, of Ft. Worth, TX. Local survivors include his wife of 67 years, Frances Luckett Vawter, and a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Richardson and Taylor Richardson of Memphis. Other survivors include a son, Wesley Vawter III, and daughter-in-law, Terry Vawter, of Atlanta, and a granddaughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Vawter, of Atlanta. He also leaves a host of special nieces and nephews. Family visitation will be from 12:30-2 p.m. Tuesday at Mullins United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dr. Bradley Gabriel will conduct a funeral service at 2 Tuesday in the Mullins Chapel, followed by a service of committal at Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to Mullins Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Rhodes was a man of integrity and wit who will be greatly missed.
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