LONGVIEW — 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 preceded in death by father, Early Bertus and wife, Ruth Brightwell; mother, A.V. Rhodes and husband, Felton Oney; mother-in-law, Florence May Smith; father-in-law, Harry May; brother, Bertus Brightwell; brothers-in-law, Jim and wife, Merlene May, Claude Grider, and 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; sisters and brother-in-law, Deanne Zager, Reba Grider, Lois and husband, J.C. Shaver, and Jean May; and numerous close nieces and nephews.
He served the
U.S. Navy during
World War II. 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 (formerly 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
.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2013, at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, with Bro. Dick Lindsey officiating. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Henderson. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today January 29, 2013, at the funeral home in Henderson.
