Richard Wescott Berton

Richard Wescott Berton, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, in El Paso, TX. Richard was born in San Diego, CA, 6 Sep 1930 to Thomas W. and Marie Dennis Berton. He attended San Diego High School, and entered the US Air Force, where he served honorably until his retirement in 1967. His assignments took him to Japan, Korea, Panama Canal Zone, Paris, France and Naples, Italy. During his service, he received many military awards, including, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), National Defense Service medal, U.S. Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Richard married Celia M. Castro in 1962. While stationed in Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA, they welcomed sons Michael and Thomas. Followed by an assignment to Naples, Italy with NATO Headquarters, the family returned to Celia’s home in El Paso, TX. After his military career, Richard worked as an auditor with El Paso National Bank, Coronado State Bank, Texas National Bank and State National Bank. He was a miniature antique car and World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam, and European model airplanes collector. His two dogs, Turquoise and Onyx were his companions during most of his time in retirement. He was preceded in death by both parents and sisters, Lucille Black and Dorothy Stevenson. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Celia and sons Michael of Portland, Oregon and Thomas (Linda) and grandson, Skylar Schapiro of Austin, Texas; sisters-in-law: Cecilia (Luis) Fresquez of Florida, Christina Castro and Consuelo (Tony) Rodriguez of El Paso and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM, with Eulogy’s at 11:00AM at Sunset Funeral Home-West. Interment will follow at 1:00PM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with Airforce Honors. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00PM at the Piazza Escondida, 6350 Escondido Dr. Unit A12. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr. Please visit our online registry at www.susnetfuneralhomes.net