Richard Byron Caton

CATON, Richard “Dick”, age 88, of Kettering died Sunday, March 20, 2005. He was born in Urbana, OH on April 17, 1916 to Ralph and Helen Caton. Dick was preceded in death by his beloved son, Fred B. Caton; brothers, Robert and Donald. He is survived by his much loved wife and friend, Amelia (Amy); 2 sisters, Dorothy (Dot) and husband, Don Harkins of Bellefountaine, OH and Lucille (Cille) and husband, Homer Baker of Urbana; 2 grandsons, Ian and Eric Caton; and 1 very special great grandson, Robert Ian Caton; daughters, Denise Caton of CA, Sandra Jung of CO; sons, Douglas Shaw of Centerville and Donald Caton of TX; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Dick graduated from Urbana High School in 1935, and Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH in 1941. Dick received his Master degree in Education from the University of Michigan. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Honor at Wittenberg University in 1995 with 9 letters earned. Dick served in the Navy during WWII as an officer in the Pacific. He also was an instructor at Great Lakes Naval Training Center and was ever so proud of the many classes he trained. After WWII, Dick taught at Urbana High School for a short time. He was at Enon High School for 8 years where he was principal, coach and teacher, and he started the football program. Then he came to Kettering, OH where he opened Orchard Park Elementary School in 1956 and remained Principal there until June 1980. Dick loved all the children. He has many loyal teachers who taught for him and remained close to many of them. There are a few who stayed loyal to the very end. Dick was a member of the NCR Country Club, F&AM Far Hills, Scottish Rite, John Marshall Lodge, and Antioch Shrine where he had been a proud part of the Antique Car Club in many parades. He was also a member of the VFW Post 9927 and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Dick loved all sports but golfed as long as he could. He was so happy dancing and traveling which we did a longtime. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM, Tuesday, March 29th at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 901 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, with Pastor Thomas Prochaska officiating. Burial in Oak Dale Cemetery, Urbana, OH. Family will receive friends, Monday from 4-7:00 PM at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering and one hour prior to service time at the church. Many, many thanks to all the staff and employees at Oak Creek Terrace for the loving and tender care he was given. Dick will be greatly missed by his family and friends as he was a very loving, caring and special husband, father, brother, friend and a gentleman at all times. In memory of Dick, contributions may be made to Wittenberg University, Caton Brothers Endowment Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 720, Springfield, OH 45501 or the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Educational Fund. Condolences and/or flowers may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.routsong.com.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429