Wilton Stanley Brightwell's Obituary
Wilton Stanley Brightwell was born January 29, 1928 in Beckville, Texas. He lived most of his life in Longview. He was married 69 years and 363 days to Mary Vain May Brightwell.
He was predeceased by father Early Bertus and wife Ruth Brightwell and mother A.V. Rhodes and husband Felton Oney, mother in law Florence May Smith, father in law Harry May, brother Bertus Brightwell, brother in law Jim and wife Merlene May, Claude Grider, Buck and wife Mary May, sister in law Fain Grizzle, and granddaughter Erin Guajardo.
He is survived by his wife Mary and sons Charles and wife Julianna Brightwell of Henderson, Donald and wife Joyce Brightwell of Palestine and Alton and wife Theresa Brightwell of Mineola. Grandchildren: Curtis and wife Mande Brightwell, Jason and wife Trish Brightwell, Christi Sims, Brandon and wife Courtney Welch, Donna and husband Tom Schultz, Robin Brightwell, Amber Gray and Scott and wife Stephanie Brightwell. 21 great grandchildren.
Siblings: Ayvonne Jones, Elaine Woodmansee, Ellen Woods, Martha Reid, Becky Still, James Brightwell and Melvin Brightwell. Sister and brother in laws: Deanne Zager, Reba Grider, Lois and husband J.C. Shaver, Jean May; and numerous close nieces and nephews.
He served the Navy during World War 2. He was retired from T&P Railroad. He was an avid musician, hunter and fisherman. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed his many friends. He was a member and deacon of the New Hope Baptist Church formally Northside Baptist Church always contributing in anyway possible. Until a few months ago he physically followed the sporting activities of his great grandchildren faithfully. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tiny Walton and Rusty Fields.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer a contribution to the charity of your choice.
Graveside services will be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens at 2 PM on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 with Brother Dick Lindsey officiating. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Henderson. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home in Henderson.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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