Richard L. Halton (Gunny)

Richard L. Halton was born April 17, 1929 in Syracuse, N.Y. He passed away Dec. 21 in a hospital in Provo, Utah after a month-long illness. He was also known as Dick or Gunny.

He joined the Marines when he was only 17. He served 14 years and was honorably discharged in 1961 with the rank of Staff Sargent E5. He took many training courses in ordinance, weaponry and leadership. Gunny knew his guns; how to take them apart and how to shoot. During his time in the service he fought in the Korean War, was part of a Med Cruise and did recruiting in Dallas, Texas.

After his duty with the Marines, he went to school and became a LPN, then went to work at a VA Hospital in New York for about 10 years.

He moved to Las Vegas and had various careers as a dealer, change clerk at Poker Palace and Nevada Landing and a Security Guard.

He moved to Panaca in 2005. He became a member of the LDS Church in 2006 and belonged to the Caliente Masonic Lodge. He had a stroke and needed extra care so he moved to Caliente in 2010.

Gunny looked forward to the Saturday night poker games at the Senior Center. He loved going to garage sales; looking for something collectible or just a good movie. Another enjoyment for him was fishing. He will be missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his brother, Bruce (Pam) Halton; nephew, Stephen Halton; and great nephew, Mason. His son, Dann Erik Halton, passed away in 2009.

Funeral Services will be held at the LDS Church in Caliente on Jan. 4, 2014, at 10 a.m. An interment will follow the service at the IOOF Cemetery in Pioche.