William Dutton

(From Parker Mortuary)

William Calvin Dutton, age 95 of Joplin, passed away at 6:04 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at his home after a lengthy illness.

Born January 17, 1919 in Clarion, IA, he was the son of the late Ernest and Pearl Howard Dutton. At the age of seven, his parents passed away. He was adopted and raised by his grandparents, W.R. and Ella Dutton of Seneca, MO. A U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II, he served in the South Pacific. In 1977 he retired as a U.S. Post Office Clerk with 30 years of service. A longtime member of Seneca United Methodist Church and Seneca Methodist Men, he served several years on the Board of Trustees and as Head Usher. Other memberships included the Last Man’s Club of World War II, Robert S. Thurman American Legion Post No. 13, AARP, National Association of Retired Postal Employees and Fairview Antique Car Club. He enjoyed rebuilding and restoring antique cars. He served as former president of the McClelland School Board. In 1981 he helped organize the present Seneca Special Road District and served on its board for ten years. He was a volunteer for Red Cross Blood Drives and Home Bound Meal Delivery in Seneca.

On March 17, 1940 he married Gladys Lorraine Gallemore at Seneca United Methodist Church. She survives.

Additional survivors include two daughters, Micha Ann Lacy of Joplin, Susan Louise Spencer and husband Willis of Joplin; a son, William C. Dutton II and wife Carol of Carl Junction, MO; sisters-in-law, Rosalee Dutton of Morage, CA, Lura Jeanne Anderson of Grove, OK, Rose Marie Bissey of Manhatten, KS; three grandchildren, Lora Ulrich, Quincy and Shayla Dutton; two great-grandchildren; four step grandchildren; four great-step grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by a brother, Robert F. Dutton and a great-grandchild, Tera Ulrich.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Seneca United Methodist Church, 1403 Cherokee in Seneca, MO. Interment with military honors will follow at Seneca Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Zimmerman, Derrick Zimmerman, Arthur Anderson, Gary Roark, Mike Curry and Willis Spencer. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Parker Mortuary in Joplin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Haven of Southwest Missouri in care of Parker Mortuary.