Richard 'Dick' Douglas Pelton, 74

Richard "Dick" Douglas Pelton, 74, passed away Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, at his home in Kalispell. He was born April 13, 1932, in Columbus, to George Arthur and Henrietta Albertina (Mills) Pelton.

Dick received his early education in Stillwater County, attending grade schools there. He graduated from Great Falls High School in Great Falls in 1950 and joined the United States Air Force in 1951. He separated in October 1952 and then enlisted in the Navy Reserve until 1956.

Dick met Evelyn Townsend while on active duty. They married on June 6, 1953, in Aurora, Ill.

Dick went to work for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Aurora in 1957. He retired after 31 years of service and moved to the Flathead Valley. In 1995, the couple moved to Kalispell, where Dick enjoyed volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol. He was also involved with the HAMM radio operators and the American Legion.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, in 2000; a son, Scott, in 2004; and his parents.

He is survived by a son, Tim Pelton, of Kalispell; a daughter, Dawn Biehl, and husband, Tom, of Bethlehem, Ga.; his 103-year-old mother-in-law, Elizabeth Townsend, of Aurora; and five grandchildren, Seth, Sarah, Katie, Brandon and Talisha.

Graveside services for Richard will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Richard's family.