Richard Leon Girton, 84, of Galena, died at 2:37 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, 2023. He accidently drowned while fishing at the strip pits. Born November 03, 1938, in Galena, Richard was the son of Wayne and Mary Louise (Lentz) Girton. He was a lifetime resident of Galena.
Richard graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1957. He then worked in manufacturing at Eagle Picher, Gulf Chemical, and Tamko. Richard retired in 2003 as a roofing production operator at Tamko. Richard loved fishing, wood carving, gardening, decorating in the fall, planting flowers in the spring and taking road trips. His Branson road trips were some of his most memorable.
Richard and Alice Marie Porter were united in marriage September 17, 1960, in Joplin, Mo. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include two sons, Doug Girton and Steve Girton (wife, Melissa) born of Galena; one brother, Emmitt (wife Patti) Girton of Joplin, Mo.; one sister, Vickie Truster of Baxter Springs; one grandchild Gage Girton (wife, Kansas), one great-grandchild Waylon Girton; and good friend Jerry LaTurner of Galena.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Mary Mooney and Dixie Washom.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 19 at Hill Crest Cemetery in Galena, In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Galena Fire Department, in care of Derfelt Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www. derfeltfuneralhomes.com.