In Loving Memory of
Richard David Wilton
1935 - 2018

Richard Wilton, 83, of Aurora, passed away October 12, 2018.

He was born June 16, 1935 in, Bell City, Missouri, the son of Orville and Altha (Roper) Wilton, the fourth of seven children. He grew up in Brownwood, MO, and was a graduate of Advance High School. On his 18th birthday, he joined the U.S. Army, and began his first 20-year career in the United States Military. After 3 years, he transferred into the U.S. Air Force, and is around the time he met the love of his life. On September 13, 1958 he married Betty Sue Townsend, and began his lifelong journey as her Loving Husband. Fatherhood began with the births of their children between 1959-1967, and he began his lifelong role as the family provider and protector. With the family stationed in Colorado, he toured the world for the duration of his military service, until his retirement on April 1, 1975. Ready to move the family into a house after his military retirement, Richard promptly started his second 17-year career, working as a civilian for the U.S. Bureau of Mines, as a Research Engineer. He retired at age 55, and patiently waited until Betty retired seven years later to begin their golden retirement years together. During retirement, he loved & loved helping his children and grandchildren, he enjoyed traveling with “Bet”, and they loved, cherished and took care of each other until their last days.

Richard is survived by; three children, Wendell Wilton, Tonya Wilton, and Susan (Doug) Kruckman; six grandchildren, Duane (Lauren) Garbett Jr, Skyler Morales, Jay Youngblood, Tony Youngblood, Jason Kruckman, and Brandon Kruckman; five great-grandchildren, Cadance Garbett, Ainsley Garbett, Avery Garbett, David Youngblood II, and Gracen Ruckman; sister Dorles Massey and brothers Ethyllon Wilton, Carmon Wilton, and Leon Wilton. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years Betty Sue Wilton; parents Orville and Altha Wilton; brother Vernon Wilton, sister Mablene Wilton, and daughters Paula Sue and Sandra Louise Wilton.