He graduated from Central High School in Sioux City, Iowa. He then attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for two years before becoming a livestock trader and rancher. He married Violet Muff on August 20th, 1949. They were married until her passing in 2002.
Dick worked for the Swift & Company as a sheep buyer in Sioux City before transferring to Fort Worth and then San Antonio. He eventually left Swift & Company and joined Dwight Heath in a partnership trading sheep in Denver, CO. In 1961, he moved to San Angelo, TX joining Carroll Farmer as a partner and owner of a livestock auction and stockyards. He later acquired the stockyards and formed Compton Livestock Company. Dick had a ranch in Eldorado and Robert Lee, Texas where he ran cattle and sheep. He, along with a group of businessmen, started Tom Green National Bank in San Angelo, where he joined the board of directors. Tom Green National Bank was eventually acquired by Bank of America. He was dedicated to his family and work. He was a man of integrity and generosity. He had a love of sports, especially golf, card games and dominoes. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and sisters, his wife Vi Compton and son-in-law Chris Criswell. He is survived by his daughter JoAnn Criswell of Fort Worth, grandson, Richard Criswell and his wife, Arden, and great granddaughter Violet Criswell of Aledo, Texas; sister-in-law, Janet Weiss and husband, Vince of Overland Park, Kansas; and a very special friend, Dona Ivy. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Thank you to caregivers Lisa Miller, Leni Trivelli and Corina Soto for their professional care.
Memorial service will be held at 2:00pm, Friday November 15th at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel. Reception at San Angelo Country Club following the service.
Memorial donations can be made to the West Texas Boys Ranch or a charity of your choice.
