Edward Patrick Linton

Master Gunnery Sergeant Edward Patrick Linton, 78, of Independence, MO was relieved from his human duties on the morning of Aug. 4, 2017. His new commanding officer, our Heavenly Father, is now in total command. Edward’s new mission is to enjoy the fruits of his labor while protecting the skies of Heaven. Visitation Thurs., Aug. 10th from 6-8pm at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church, 9020 E. 51st Terr., KCMO. Mass of Christian Burial 10am Fri at the church followed by burial in Leavenworth National Cemetery at 12:30pm.

Edward was born November 30, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA to Charles and Jane (Cameron) Linton. He graduated high school in June of 1956 from The West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys. He later studied Electrical Conduit Fittings and Wiring for two years at the University of Pittsburgh.

Edward began his military career in 1957 with the Air National Guard in Pittsburgh, PA. In 1966, he transferred to the Air Force Reserves at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in MO. In 1986 with the closure of Richards-Gebaur, he transferred to Midway Airport in Chicago, IL where he began the final part of his career with the Marine Corp. Reserves. In 1989 he transferred one last time to Stewart Air Force Base in NY and finished out his 40+ years of service to our country in 1998. He retired at the rank of E-9/Master Gunnery Sergeant and was highly decorated. He was a veteran of Vietnam, Grenada, Panama and Desert Storm Conflicts; receiving 2 Bronze Stars, 1 Silver Star and 1 Navy Cross along with a full metal jacket of ribbons and awards.

Edward’s civilian career included titles of Vice President of Sales with Craig Manufacturing; National Sales Manager with Dito-Dean Co. and the Toastwell Co, a division of Standex Corp.; and Regional Sales Manager for Robot Coupe USA and Scan American Corp. He also served the N. Kansas City Bureau of Investigation as a top rated Security Guard as well as a volunteer Fire Fighter and Police Officer in Laxawaxan, PA while serving in NY.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Donna (Kobosky) Linton; four children, Charles, Mary Jane and Patrick Linton and Dawn (Linton) Burke; six grandchildren, Katharine (Linton) Suisman, Jordan Linton, Kayla Dettlaff and Keegan, Derek and Christopher Staggs and two great granddaughters, Hailey and Natalie Suisman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorsproject.org. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arr: McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 816-353-6555.