Wilmer Anderton

Richfield, Utah - John Wilmer Anderton, 91, of Richfield, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 8, 1927 in Holden, the 4th of Cloyde and Gertrude Anderton’s 6 children. When he was six weeks old, the family moved to Richfield where Wilmer has lived ever since. He joined the Navy on March 7, 1945, one day before his 18th birthday. He served in the South Pacific at the end of World War II, returning to Richfield in July of 1946. He met his wife, Kathleen Lovell, when she was his nurse at the Sevier Valley Hospital in Richfield. They were married in the Manti Temple on September 20, 1948, and were sweethearts for over 68 years. Kathleen passed away on February 4, 2017. Their considerable posterity includes six children: Ren (deceased), Lina (Bob) Owens, Chino Valley, AZ; Sharon (Donald) Phillips, Kansas City, MO; Camille (Gaylen) Moore, Panguitch, UT; Marijane Robinson, (Todd, deceased) Cedar City, UT; Robyn (Mark) Porter, Parker, CO; as well as 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; he is also survived by two sisters: Fae Perkins of West Valley City and Louise Hartle of Murray. Farming was Wilmer’s first love, but in addition he worked for LA Young Construction, drove a truck for Christy’s Market, worked at JC Penney’s, and at the U.S. Post Office. Wilmer loved to fish and hunt and go on “Safari,” exploring the canyon lands of Southern Utah. Well known for his knowledge of the history of Richfield and the surrounding areas, he often stopped whatever he was doing to give tours. An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Wilmer has served in many capacities, including teaching the Blazer Scouts for 19 years. With his wife, Wilmer served two missions for the Church: one at Cove Fort, where he was able to share his expertise in farming and pioneer history while giving tours, and one at the Richfield LDS Employment Center. Wilmer has always kept a large garden and beautiful yard. After retiring he enjoyed spending time in his woodshop, and generously shared his talent with family, neighbors, and friends. During the last few years he has donated thousands of handmade cars, trucks, airplanes, trains, doll furniture and other items to the Humanitarian Center to be given to children all over the world. He worked in his shop until a few days before his death. Hard work, love and service were some of Wilmer’s best known characteristics, as well as a great sense of humor, positive attitude, and plenty of “plain old stickity-to-ity.” Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 11, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in the Richfield 7th LDS Ward Chapel, 159 North 400 West in Richfield, where friends may call for viewing Sunday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or Monday morning from 9:00 to 10:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the VFW Sevier Post #5050 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.