Gerald Dean Bretton was born Christmas day, December 25, 1936, in Phillips County, Kansas, the son of Gerald & Helen Bretton. He died on October 17, 2010 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Frank & Lisa Hall, Kirwin, Kansas.

Gerald, affectionately called "Dick" by family and friends for most of his life, received his education in Phillips County.

He entered into two marriages throughout his lifetime, his first to Leora Richardson. The couple was blessed with three children: a daughter, Jackie, and two sons, Randy and Gerald B. or "Brad". His second marriage was to June Roth, and three children also blessed this union: two daughters, Terri and Lisa, and a son, Curtis.

During his adult life Dick was employed by Royal Brand Roofing, J & J Oil Company, and lastly, until his retirement, the Phillips County Road Department.

He was a loving son to his parents, and he and his Dad spent many enjoyable hours together since they both loved being around horses.

Dick treasured the time he spent with his family. He loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, and also spent a lot of time enjoying the family pets!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald & Helen Bretton; brothers, Raymond and Leland Bretton; sister-in-law, Joann Bretton; and brother-in-law, Dale Townsend.

Dick leaves behind his six children: Teresa Starkey & husband, John, Lisa Hall & husband, Frank, and Curtis Bretton, all of Kirwin, KS; Jackie Mickelson & husband, Greg, of Ellis, KS; Randy Goodermuth of Hays, KS; and Brad Goodermuth & wife, Karmel, of Del City, OK. Surviving grandchildren include: Tina Gregory & husband, Jason; Kenneth Morgan & wife, Jennifer; Samantha Hall; Falon and Rylee Bretton; Shane, Eric and Cody Mickelson; Dawn Mader & husband, Adam; Shawn Goodermuth & wife, Christine; and Joshua Goodermuth & wife, Sommer; also his great-grandchildren: Damian and Aria Gregory; Noah Morgan; McAyla and Lauryn Mitzel; Jaiden Mickelson; Trinidy and Kadin Mader; and Alyssa and Serenity Goodermuth. Two sisters survive: Bette Townsend of Norton, KS and Alva Horn & husband, Dick, of Colby, KS; one brother, Bob McDonald & wife, Vada, of Logan, KS; special friends and caregivers, Bob & June Eakin of Kirwin, KS; along with many nieces and nephews.

Dick will long be remembered for the love, kindness and thoughtfulness shown to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held Sat., Oct. 23, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Becky Saddler officiating. Burial followed in the Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin, KS.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Services or to Kirwin Extra Hands