Obituary of Donald Edwin Wharton

Donald Edwin Wharton passed away on June 17, 2022 at the age of 78, in his home in Pflugerville, Texas. Don lost a long and courageous battle with cancer but never his dry wit and wonderful sense of humor. He was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy.

Don was a proud native Texan from San Antonio and Vietnam veteran who served honorably in the United States Air Force. He held a master’s degree in educational psychology and worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the Texas Commission for the Blind for nearly a decade. He later left to support the love of his life Nancy in her dream of owning a flower shop. Together, Don and Nancy built one of the most successful floral businesses in Austin at the time, Casa Verde Florist. They worked together for 30 years until they retired in 2011.

Don enjoyed the simple things. He loved fishing, country music, old westerns and watching football, a lot of football. He was an avid treasure hunter who scoured thrift shops for great deals on things he usually already had. Don was a history buff and surrounded himself with things he cherished. Every trinket and every gadget had a story he was anxious to tell. Don also loved to travel and was fortunate enough to visit many wonderful places. Above all else though, Don loved his family and never missed a celebration, holiday, or event that his family was a part of.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Edwin Wharton and Leila Mae Kilgore Wharton; sister, Carol Sue Wharton Parks and brother-in-law Don Curtis Parks.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Nancy Phillip Wharton; daughter Stephanie Wharton Washburn and her husband Jarrett Washburn grandchildren, Avery Dawn and Evan Paul Washburn, Brother in law Manson Burnett Phillip and  wife Patricia,  Brother in law David Manson Phillip and wife Marguerite, Niece Carrie Parks Holton and husband Kevin, niece Cathy Bardin and husband Scott, nephew David Phillip and wife Kristen, niece Tricia Gronnevik and husband Emmitt, along with many other cousins, family and friends.  

A heartfelt thank you to Misty Long whose care for Don and Nancy over the last year will never be forgotten and to Kindred Hospice for their support during his end-of-life journey.

Cremation services will be held by Austin Peel and Son. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers at this time donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Wounded Warriors Foundation.