Mayor Tim Barker

Tim Barker was born in Ganado, Texas and moved to Wharton in 1962. He graduated from Wharton High School in 1971 and then attended Wharton County Junior College before going to work for Barnhill Flying Service.  In 1980, Mayor Barker became a partner with James G. Martin Brokerage Co. in operating Burr Farm Supply and Wharton Feed & Supply.  In 1993, he purchased Wharton Feed & Supply from James Martin, which he operated until his retirement.  

He is married to Pam Frankum Barker and they have three children: Jason Barker, Jill Barker-Young, and Jarett Barker.  Mayor Barker is an active Wharton Rotary Club Member, Wharton 100 Club board member and works with the Freedom Fest Committee.

In his leisure time he enjoys being with friends, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, driving his sports car and attending car shows.

Councilmember Burnell Neal, District No. 1

Bio Coming Soon!

Councilmember Steven Schneider, District No. 2

Steven Schneider graduated from El Campo High School in 1979.  He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is a residential real estate appraiser and has been employed with Catechis, Campbell and Associates since 1985.  He has been a resident of Wharton since 1989 and is married to Vicki Dorotik Schneider of El Campo.  They have one daughter, Katelynn.  Schneider was secretary/treasurer of the El Campo Rifle and Pistol Club and is a current board member for the Wharton Girls Softball League.  He is an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Councilmember Terry Freese, District No. 3

Terry Freese is a lifelong resident of the City of Wharton and attended Wharton High School.   He graduated from high school in 1976 and went on to study kinesiology at Wharton County Junior College and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, where he received his bachelor’s degree, and the University of Texas at Tyler, where he graduated with his master’s degree. Freese is the head golf coach and assistant football coach at Wharton High School and Alternative School teacher at Wharton Junior High, where he has been teaching for 24 years. He is married to Lisa Freese who teaches at Sivells Elementary School, and has two sons, Zachary Freese and Joel Freese. In his spare time he volunteers with the local little league and softball organization.

Councilmember and Mayor Pro-Tem Donald Mueller, District No. 4

Donald Mueller retired from the Texas Department of Transportation in 1991 and was active as a Highway Maintenance Contractor from 1992 to 2007.  He was elected to serve as a City of Wharton Councilmember in May 1992 and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Mr. Mueller currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Wharton.  He married Betty Krenek of Hungerford in 1958 and has three daughters and three grandchildren.  Mr. Mueller, in his leisure time enjoys farming, hunting and working.

Councilmember Russell Machann, Position No. 5 At-Large

Born in San Angelo, Texas, Russell grew up in Katy, Texas, and attended Katy High School.  He later advanced to Angelo State University and Sam Houston State University.  He has lived in Wharton, Texas, for twenty four years.  He is married to Tonya and has three daughters, Kacy, Andrea and Robin. Russell is the owner of Machann Consulting Inc., has a partnership agreement with AP Formulators in Houston as Sr. Sales Account Manager and is a consultant with JESCO Construction.  

Russell is currently serving on the City Council for the City of Wharton.  He also serves on the City Council Finance, Housing and Public Health Committees, Wharton Economic Development Corporation Board, CAD Board of Directors, Wharton County Youth Fair since 1994 as President, member of the Executive Board, Ticket Booth, several fair committees and Chairman of the BBQ Cook Off for 20 years.  He is involved with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo as District Chairman for Area Go Texan, Membership and Directory and Assistance Committees, Scholarship Judging Committee and a life time member since 1986.

Councilmember Larry Pittman- Position No. 6 At-Large

Larry Pittman lived in Wharton as a child and grew up attending elementary school in Wharton.  He later attended HCC and the University of Houston and graduated with a degree in Police Science. He began a very successful and diversified career in law enforcement. He twice received the Officer of the Year Award - once from the 100 Club of Houston and once from the police department. 

During his career in law enforcement, he gained extensive knowledge of working with local government budgets, policies and policy writing, personnel matters, and other local government management issues. He retired from law enforcement and relocated back to Wharton.

He takes the knowledge and experience from working 33 years in local government and utilizes it by representing the citizens of Wharton on the City Council in Wharton.

City of Wharton Districts Map