Wilton was born in Iola, a small rural community in east Texas, and was brought up on his family's small farm near that town. He graduated from Iola high school at the age of fifteen and then enrolled in Sam Houston State Teachers College, working his way through college through many odd jobs including some returns to Iola to work the farms in that area. His efforts were rewarded when he graduate with a degree in teaching at the age of 20, being the first in his family and the first from Iola to earn a college degree. Subsequently he filled teaching assignments in Lufkin and Rosenberg.
He was inducted into the US Army in 1942. His longest tour of duty was at Aberdeen Proving Grounds where his skills as a teacher were put to good use instructing new recruits in reading and writing. While at Aberdeen he met, courted and married Marian Von Behren. Together they had daughters, Marian Louise and Jeanette Elaine.
He was discharged from the Army as a 1st Lieutenant in 1946. His first post Army civilian job was USF&G's Houston office in 1955. Wilton continued working for the company for over 40 years until his retirement in 1990.
In retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife Marian. Later in his retirement he spent countless hours researching and thousands of miles traveling in order to document his family tree back as far as the late 1770s. He never found when his ancestors first arrived in America.
Wilton was preceded in death by his wife Marian. Wilton will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by his daughters, two grandchildren Jeanette and Mark, one great grandchild two great great grandchildren and his dear friend Betty Daniels.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Forest Park Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Rd. A funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, July 7th at 10:00 A.M. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Wilton to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.
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