LTC RICHARD O. FELTON To TAPS

LTC RICHARD O. FELTON passed away 1/13/2014.

Son of Mildred Olsen and Raymond Felton, born January 4, 1941 in Key West, Florida passed away January 13, 2014 at the age of 73. His life is celebrated for his faith in God, distinguished service to country, love of family and commitment to work and community.

Richard was proud of his Key West roots and embraced the nickname "Conch" reserved for natives of Key West. He received his Bachelor's degree from Florida Southern College where he was in ROTC and earned a commission. Upon graduation in 1962, he entered the Army, something he had always wanted to do.

Richard served his country with pride and dedication in the Finance Corp for twenty years. While in the Army, he earned his MBA at Indiana University, graduating cum laud. He served in numerous Finance Corp positions in the United States, Vietnam, Korea and France. During his active duty he received a number of military awards, including an Army Commendation Award, Bronze Star (for his service with ground operations in Vietnam), and three Meritorious Service Medals all of which recognized his perseverance and problem solving skills. He spent nine years at Ft. Harrison serving in the Finance Center in various capacities including teaching at the School of Finance. In 1978 he was chosen to attend the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth. He graduated in the top 20% of his class and received additional commendations for English instruction to Allied officers and materially contributing to formulation of financial management instruction. He retired in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel and has since been a member of RAFINO (Retired Army Finance Officers). He continued working in the private sector for 14 years as the Controller of Ritron Corporation in Carmel until he retired.

Shortly after retiring from the Army, Dick met and married his loving wife of 30 years, Linda. Together they worked and played. They shared a love of Hawaii, making 10 trips there, each time staying at the Military Recreation Center on Waikiki Beach where Dick could be on military ground – a place close to his heart. They became active and loyal members of the Zionsville United Methodist Church, being greeters and helping those in need in the community whenever they could. Dick had a drive to maintain the quality, sense of pride and spirit of a neighborhood in whatever community he called home. He served as president of the Olde Dominion Condo Association, and also the Brittany Chase, HOA and Willow Ridge HOA. His love for his cats led him to be an active supporter of the Humane Society. He also became an avid golfer, an even more avid Colts fan, as well as a patron of the arts and an advocate for those less fortunate than himself.

Dick will be remembered and celebrated for his strong faith, sense of duty and loyalty, love for friends and family, a conscientious work ethic, leading a well ordered life, and the random acts of kindness he regularly did for others. All these qualities helped Richard face his long and brave battle against Parkinson's with dignity and grace. 
He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda and his daughters: Michelle Perkins (Nick), Stephanie Felton, and Heather Winzenried. He also has eight grandchildren Sarah, Zachary, Christian, Aubrey, and Darian Winzenried; Lindsey, Josh, and Hannah Perkins: and four great grandchildren; Riley, Asher, River and Max