Ralph L. Tilton

Ralph L. Tilton, age 91, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at the Golden Heights Living Center in Garnett, Kansas. Ralph was born on August 23, 1918, at Mont Ida, Kansas, the son of Roy and Hazel (Hartman) Tilton. He graduated from Welda High School in 1937. He served in the U.S. Army from December 30, 1944 until October 23, 1946. He served as a medic in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. After his time in the service he returned to Garnett, where he began employment at the Garnett Church Furniture Factory, working there for the next 45 years. He was united in marriage to Alice Betty Caldwell on November 10, 1939, at Iola, Kansas, this union was blessed with one daughter, Carol Ann. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the VFW Post 6397 of Garnett. He enjoyed woodworking, attending auctions and returning with "treasures - most of which came from the $1 box", making clocks, playing cards, collecting knives, attending ball games; but some of his greatest joys came from his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Doris Gates. Ralph is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty Tilton of the home; his daughter, Carol Ann Feuerborn and husband Dudley of Garnett, Kansas; four grandchildren, Deanna Wolken and husband Tom of Garnett; Debbie Davis and husband Doug of Garnett; Dana Spencer and husband Michael of Colony; and Reuben Feuerborn and wife Moria of Garnett; and 11 great-grandchildren - Emily, and husband, Brandon DeVall, Katelyn Wolken, Derek, Brandon and Cody Davis, Benjamin, Nicholas and Madeline Spencer, Payton, Alexis and Tyler Feuerborn. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2009, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Garnett Cemetery in Garnett, Kansas with military honors. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to Golden Heights.