Russell L. Wilton, 103

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Russell Leslie Wilton, 103, of Carlinville, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at Heritage Health in Carlinville.

Private family services will be held in Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Carlinville. Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville is assisting the family.

Mr. Wilton was born Aug. 3, 1917, at home in rural Summerville, to Leslie E. and Stella (Bister) Wilton. He married Eva Lois Cowger on Sept. 14, 1940, in Decatur, and she preceded him in death.

A farmer, he was also a steelworker who sold sewing machines before retiring from Standard Oil after 25 years as an agent. After his retirement, he and his wife spent 32 winters in Florida. He was a charter member of the Carlinville Lions Club, and had an amazing streak of 68 years of perfect attendance. He was a familiar face at the cakewalk and ice cream stand. He enjoyed fishing, camping, tinkering and pulling practical jokes.

He is survived by his son, Ronald (Ruth Ann) Wilton of Carlinville; son-in-law, Bill Neighbors of Carlinville; grandchildren, Todd (Mary) Stewart of Mt. Olive, Randy (Judy) Stewart of Donnellson, Keri (Bill) Krager of Raymond, Cheryl (Duane) Daugherty of Girard, Michelle (Rich) Hampton of Carlinville, Rhonda (Tom) Koehne of Athensville, and Russell (Gina) Wilton and Shawna (Craig) Poe, all of Carlinville; 19 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Wilton; sister, Stella Louise Nixon; daughter, Beverly Neighbors; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Max Stewart; grandson, Brett Stewart; and granddaughter, Jennifer Hankins.

Memorials may be made to the Carlinville Lions Club.

Online condolences may be left at www.heinzfuneralhome.com.