Gerald Richard Whitton
Gerald Richard Whitton
Gerald Richard Whitton
1924-2016
Family graveside services for Gerald Richard Whitton, 91, of Colfax, were held Sept. 14, 2016, at Colfax Cemetery with family members officiating.
Richard, as most people knew him, died Sept. 13, 2016, in Tyler.
He was born Nov. 4, 1924, in Slaton to the late Willie and Portia Whitton. He grew up in the Whitton community in Van Zandt County.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned home and married the love of his life, Emily Celeta Mayne, the day before his 22nd birthday in 1946. They were married in Celeta’s aunt’s home on Big Rock Street in Canton by Mr. Whitton’s great-uncle, J. Porter Wilhite, renowned gospel minister.
Although it rained “cats and dogs” at the wedding, their marital bliss was never dampened and they were married nearly 55 years before her death in 2001.
Mr. Whitton was a true believer in God and Jesus and was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Celeta; and his sister, Flo Anna Weldon.
Survivors include his three sons, Clint Whitton of Colfax, Mark Whitton and wife, Kay of Tuscola, and Anson Whitton and wife, Susan of Bastrop; daughter, Anita and husband, Rodney Jaeger of Rockwall; sister, Ernestine Simon of Canton; and brother Billy Jack Whitton of Fort Worth. He had six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
All of the family rejoice in his home-going and celebrate the grace given to all believers through Christ.
