Obituary of Kevin M. Wheaton

Kevin Marchands Wheaton was born March 12, 1959 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the first born to Homer R. and Vesta (Rhodes) Wheaton. His paternal grandparents Calvin Wesley and Rosetta (Moore) Wheaton, maternal grandparents Solon R, and Katherine (Martin) Rhodes shared in the joy of their baby boy. The union was blessed with a second child, a baby girl. Rise Lynn (Wheaton) Pope. She is the only sibling to her dear brother. 

Kevin Marchands Wheaton departed his earthly home on April 1, 2023 to receive his eternal reward in heaven. Kevin preceded in death by his mother Vesta Rhodes Wheaton. Kevin professed his faith in Christ at an early age as a member of Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, his place to worship, fellowship and develop life-long relationships.   

Kevin’s formal education began in the Nashville Parochial School district at St. Vincent de Paul School where he attended First through Eighth Grade. He went on to Father Ryan High School, then transferred and graduated from North Nashville High School (Nashville Davidson County Public Schools).

Kevin was an academic scholar completing high school as one of the top students in his class. While in high school his athleticism was recognized on the football field as quarterback. He wore his #11 jersey proudly. After Football season, Kevin ran Track for his high school. He was Fast! running the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds. Also competing in the 220-yard dash and Four-by-Four Relay as the last leg to bring home the win. All three events held the fastest times in the state. The faculty and his peers selected him “Best All Around”. His abilities in both the academic and sports arenas, lettering in two sports, awarded him the William Hume Award for athletes demonstrating superior quality in performance while maintaining a high degree of excellence in academic pursuits.

After graduating high school, enrolled in our “Big Blue”, Tennessee State University, (Nashville, Tennessee), majoring in Engineering. Kevin truly enjoyed tutoring fellow students in math, assisting and preparing them for State and National testing. He was known for sharing test-taking strategies for various fields of study.

In 1978, Kevin’s dream came to fruition when he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Theta Chapter. He stood tall and proud as #15.  for the “Unpredictable 15” Line of 1978. His fraternity Brothers meant so much to him. He remained loyal to his fraternity.

Kevin began his career at Clopay Industries later transitioning to the Berry Group where he was well respected for his area of expertise, working to perfect safe material production in the company.  

Kevin was given a chance at true love when he married Tanya Baxter on August 26, 1988.

Tanya was not only his love but his rock and strength throughout their marriage. Kevin and Tanya began each morning at 5:00 am with a cup of coffee and reading their Bible. They discussed the daily scripture and the events of the day together for 34 years.

Kevin and Tanya were blessed with a son, Kevin Marchands Wheaton, II, born June 16, 1995 to complete their family. Kevin II brought joy to his father every day, whether golfing, spending quality time together playing catch and basketball and of course, traveling. They shared a common love of hats.

Kevin leaves to mourn his passing, but cherish his memory his loving and devoted,, wife, Tanya Baxter-Wheaton; son, Kevin M. Wheaton, II; father, Homer R. Wheaton; sister, Rise’ Wheaton-Pope and his beloved brother-in-law, Charles “Chuckie” Pope; sisters in law, Rosalind Baxter, Yvonne Katallage, Sandra Denise Baxter, Shaquana Bater; brothers in law, Kawan Baxter and Ravon (Alicia) Baxter and Marvin (Denappa) Brown; nieces, Kellye Pope, Sierra and Giavanni Baxter, Jade Baxter Jasmine; nephews, Zachary (April) Pope, Anthony and Joshua; loving and devoted aunt, Myrtis Childs; devoted cousins, Marsha (Trimane) Dunn, Henry Moore and Vivian (Larry) Wilhoite, Thersa Pilate; beloved co-workers at Berry Group, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Theta Chapter, David Todd. 

The serivce can be viewed on live stream via FaceBook at Lewis-WrightFD.