Cover photo for Lyle Richard Gorton's Obituary
Lyle Richard Gorton Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Lyle Richard Gorton
1931 2022

Lyle Richard Gorton

July 29, 1931 — January 15, 2022

Lyle "Dick" Richard Gorton, 90, of Topeka, passed away late Saturday, January 15, 2022.

He was born July 29, 1931, in Lincoln, Kansas, the son of Lyle Oscar and Louise (Marshall) Gorton. He graduated from Beverly High School in 1949. After graduation, he worked on the family farm and later joined the United States Army in 1953.

Dick was employed by Wentz Equipment Company and Berry Tractor Company as a mechanic. He later worked for the Water Pollution Control Division of the City of Topeka as a Heavy Equipment Operator for 18 years, retiring in 1999.

Pat and Dick were active members of the Crestview United Methodist Church, of Topeka for over 55 years. He served as an Usher and participated in the Sunday school classes.

He enjoyed the outdoors hunting and camping. He grew up on a farm in Western Kansas and worked on tractors and loved the family's horses. After Dick and Pat had children, he enjoyed volunteering with his sons' Boy Scout Troop. He showed and attended Antique Tractor shows with his children. He loved his family dearly and he always told them he was proud of them and to call if they needed any help. He was a very proud Grandpa and loved spending time with grandkids as they grew up.

Dick was never a complainer and was a very humble man. As a testament to his humbleness, in the 1970's Dick and his family were traveling along the highway and saw a car on fire. They immediately stopped and Dick pulled two men out of the burning car. They drove them to the Manhattan Hospital and found out that they were soldiers from Fort Riley. He was a man that would do good for others and never expected recognition from those around him.

Dick married Patricia Coffman on August 24, 1957 in Wellsville, Kansas. Survivors include his Wife, Patricia; his children, Tim (Debbie) Gorton, Mark (Nancy) Gorton, Lisa (Brian) Ruff; grandchildren, Eric Gorton, Jenna Gorton, Andrew Ruff and Natalie Ruff and one sister, Barbara Salzman. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, David Gorton and infant daughter, Kimberly Gorton.

A Celebration of Dick's Life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Crestview United Methodist Church. His family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. In his honor, memorial contributions may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 Eveningside Dr., Topeka, KS 66614.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Crestview United Methodist Church

, Topeka, KS

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