Richard E. Pelton

Richard E. Pelton, 74, of Topeka, passed away on April 2, 2011. He was born in Topeka, KS, on Sept. 9, 1936, the son of G. Dorr and Frances L. Baker Pelton.

Richard was a 1954 graduate of Topeka High School and attended Washburn University off and on from 1954 through 1973. On October 17, 1959, at the First Baptist Church at 9th and Jackson in Topeka, he married Virginia R. Pennington. She survives. Richard began working as a clerk for the City of Topeka Water Dept. in 1954 and retired on Dec. 17, 1993, after working his way up as an Engineering Aid, Chief Engineering Aid, and ultimately Superintendant from 1970-1993. Richard helped the city promote 100 year ownership of Water Utility and doubled the treatment and distribution capacity. He also assisted in drafting State Legislation forming the 1st River Water Assurance District in the nation. Richard managed the Kansas River Water Assurance #1 for 10 years and also the Cottonwood/Neosho River Basins Assurance District #2 for nine years. He was a Boy Scouts of America Scout Leader for many years, with membership in the Order of the Arrow, and a member of Southwest Baptist Church. Richard was also a lifetime member of the American Water Works Association, both national and state levels. He also served the Army Reserves for six years.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia, of the home; sons, Kent A. (Kerri) Pelton, Keith J. (Lynne) Pelton, and Kyle E. Pelton; granddaughters, Jayme Pelton and Stephanie M. Pelton; grandson, Conner E. Pelton; and great granddaughter, Madison. He is also survived by a sister, Dorothy Boring.

Mr. Pelton was cremated. A memorial visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011, at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service, 4020 SW 6th Ave., Topeka. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Richard E. Pelton Memorial Fund c/o Topeka City Employees Credit Union, 215 SE 7th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603, which will be used to support a local school's music program.