Corwin Wherrett, Sr.

Corwin J. Wherrett, Sr., age 98, went to be with the Lord on September 1, 2017. Corwin was born on June 21, 1919 at Plymouth, California, the son of Andrew Wherrett and Pearl E. Wherrett. Corwin spent most of his life in Michigan. He started his photography career in Rembrandt and Craine Studios in Detroit, Michigan. He also printed pictures and taking school portraits for Camp Publishing Co. of Ypsilanti. During World War II he served as a Marine combat photographer primarily recording rocket and mortar research at the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia. From 1945 to 1947 he was a commercial photographer for Baur-Toland studio in Detroit. He then moved to Lake Odessa and went on the road as a business portrait photographer for Woltz-Allen studio in Detroit. He then joined the Enquirer and News in 1952, working there until retiring in 1981. He has won awards from journalistic and photographic organizations. In 1963, he was named Michigan Press Photographer of the Year by the Michigan Press Photographers Association. He said his favorite photograph was a color shot of a molder ladling molten metal in an Albion foundry. This photograph won Wherrett four awards, including a first prize in that year’s Michigan Press Association contest. During the years he photographed many famous people and he was also photographer at The Barn Theater for approximately 30 years. Since 1969 Wherrett has taught photography classes at Lakeview Community Education program. Corwin was previously married to Lillian M. (Sinclair) which ended in divorce after 29 years. He then married Alice Elva (Dill) , who died 29 years later. His third wife is Shirley G. (Mott) who he married on April 24, 1999. She preceded him in death on March 23, 2016. Corwin and his first wife had three boys, Corwin J. Wherrett II who preceded him in death, Donald A. Wherrett who survives and Bob Wherrett who preceded him in death. He also leaves three grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Corwin enjoyed spending time boating and fishing on Lake Michigan, square dancing, travel and playing bridge. Corwin also served two years in the Michigan National Guard. He was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 11, 20017 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service.  A private inurnment will take place at Ceresco Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. www.henryfuneralhome.org