Gary William Paul Wheaton

Beloved Husband, Father, and friend Gary William Paul Wheaton passed away on August 22, 2025, of natural causes, fighting hard until the very end. An inspiration to his family and a long-time resident of Rochester, Washington, he will be dearly missed by all.

Gary was born on May 6th, 1952, to his parents Leon Wheaton and Evelyn Donnan in Bronx, New York. Once he reached adulthood, he would go on to join the United States Army and become a decorated Veteran and earning his associate’s degree in criminal justice. He lived all over settling in places like Boulder, Colorado; Hawaii; Delta Junction, Alaska; and he would come to call Rochester, Washington his home for over 20 years. Both during and after his military service he worked as a Long-Haul Trucker, a job he took a lot of pride in and always brought his best. He would marry Suki Wheaton and Joan Wheaton at different points in his life, and though they decided to part ways they both still played an important role in his life and his children’s lives.

While in the United States Army, he would earn many different honors for his service. From October of 1974 to October of 1979, he would earn medals for National Defense, Good Conduct, and Armed forces expeditionary Medals. From December of 1960 to June of 1961, he would earn his 2nd National defense and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals and his Army Service Ribbon. Over the years he would earn medals for Asia Service, Kuwait Liberation (For service in Saudia Arabia) as well as Meritorious Unit Commendation during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

A true Patriot, Gary loved celebrating the country he served and went all out on any patriotic holiday and was a member of the American Patriot Three Percenters. He also enjoyed the outdoors and often went out fishing, camping, and loved animals of all kinds, even caring for his own bees. Gary was also known to enjoy working with his hands, he had a passion for tinkering, maintaining his firearms, mechanics and even woodworking as well.

Family and friends knew Gary to be someone you can always depend upon. He had a big heart, especially for animals, and was always generous to others. Gary also had a deep appreciation for Native American Culture and enjoyed learning more about it. He was known to have a unique sense of humor and was reported to be “allergic to vegetables” (Or so he claimed.) In his retirement Gary was known to be quite “laid back” and enjoyed the perks of not having to go to work. Often scrolling on social media during the day and watching his favorite TV shows by night. Though he was known to occasionally go out to do some karaoke especially to his favorite classic rock songs.

Gary will be missed by his spouse Tina Gratias of Rochester Washington whom he married on August 23rd, 2018, in Longbeach; his son Gary K. Wheaton of California; his daughter Susan K. Wheaton of California; his stepsons Justin Gratias of Rochester and Trent Gratias of Rochester and Tid Davis; his Stepdaughter Robin Clark of Georgia; as well as 6 Grandchildren and many more friends and relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents Leon Wheaton and Evelyn Donnan, as well as his aunt Midge.

The family has requested all memorial donations go to local animal rescues or non-kill animal shelters.

Though he has departed from this world Gary’s memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.