Richard E. Wilton

Richard E. "Dick" Wilton, 83, of rural Erie, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at his home.

Richard Elmer Wilton was born on May 17, 1937, to Walter and Alice Edith (Myers) Wilton in Parsons, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in Parsons. When Richard was twelve, his father passed away in a car accident. Later his mother married Andy Beck, who Richard considered his father. In 1955, Richard graduated from Parsons High School and in 1957, he earned an Associate's degree from Parsons Junior College. Richard also served in the Army National Guard.

While attending high school, Richard began working at Safeway. He became a manager and over the years managed stores in Webb City, Missouri, Pittsburg, Emporia and Shawnee, Kansas. After 35 years, he retired from Safeway at the age of 50. He then purchased a farm in rural Erie and for several years worked part time at Ron's IGA as a meat cutter.

In his younger years, Richard was in the Masons. He was active in the Parsons Senior Citizens Center. He enjoyed antique cars and especially restoring his Model A's and Model T's. Vegetable gardening and animal rescue were also things that Richard enjoyed.

On July 12, 1959, Richard and Sandra B. Cloonan were united in marriage in Parsons. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2017.

Richard is survived by one son, Stephen Jeffrey Wilton, of Kansas City, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Wilton; his mother and step-father, Andy and Alice Beck; his wife, Sandra Wilton; and one son, Michael Andrew Wilton.

There will be no service and burial will take place at Spring Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Senior Citizens Center or Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.