ATHOL - Earl R. Kelton, 65, of 590 White Pond Rd., died Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Haven, Conn.

EARL R. KELTON

He was born in Gardner, Mass., Jan. 6, 1941, the son of Earl W. and Eva M. (Shaw) Kelton. He grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1958, from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1964 and from the University of Arizona, obtaining his graduate degree in 1972. During his 28 years in the Army he had lived in Colorado, Germany, Alabama, New Jersey, New York, Kansas and upon his retirement in 1989 moved to Greenfield where he lived until 2006 when he returned to Athol.

He served in the U. S. Army for 28 years, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel. He did two tours in Viet Nam and piloted on a Bird Dog Aircraft as a spotter. He was a professor of English for many years at the United States Military Academy at West Point, he was an active member of the Sunderland Congregational Church, serving as deacon, singing in the men's choir and was the official greeter. Following his retirement he became very active in the Greenfield community, working with the literacy project at the Franklin County Correctional Institute, assisted with projects at the Green River House, and enjoyed being a part of the community. He also was an avid book collector, especially on vintage racing cars and operated the Selective Reader out of his home. He raced vintage sports cars for many years and owned an 1957 Aston Martin automobile.

He leaves his wife of 41 years, Gwendolyn R. (Moore) Kelton; a son, Earl W. Kelton and his friend Sherry Viau of Athol; a daughter, Ryanne Qualters and her husband Darin, of Athol; two sisters, Phyllis Wallwork and Connie Qualters and her husband William, all of Athol; four grandchildren, Charles and Shannon Kelton and Andrew and Samuel Qualters; and a great-granddaughter, Emily Ragland.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, April 9, at 1 p.m. at the Sunderland Congregational Church, Routes 47 and 116, with the Rev. Dr. Richard Killough, pastor, and the Rev. Dr. Shirlee Bromley officiating. There are no calling hours and in lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Franklin Area Survival Center, 96 Fourth St., Turners Falls, MA 01376 or the Green River House, 37 Franklin St., Greenfield, Mass. 01301.

Higgins-O'Connor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For further information or to send family condolences go to www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com.