Charles Rhoton

Charles William “Bill” Rhoton, 78, a resident of rural Bronson, went to his final home, Thursday, May 15, 2014. He was born June 26, 1935, at the family home near Bronson, to William Eli and Lucille Coral Dawson Rhoton. 

Bill started school in the one-room limestone school and graduated from Bronson High School in 1953. He then attended Iola Junior College where he received his associates degree in business. Bill married Julia Ann Camac on Jan. 30, 1955, in Bronson. He and Julia have been lifelong residents of the Bronson and Blue Mound area. They have been farmers and ranchers their entire lives. 

Bill was also a natural born salesman and he never met a stranger. Bill was active in his community. He was a charter member of the Bronson Ruritan, a 50-year member of Masonic Lodge and a member of Bronson United Methodist Church. 

 Survivors include his wife, Julia Ann; his three children, Robert Rhoton and wife, Debra, Lawrence; Kathy Garlow and husband, Gary, Wellington; and Terri Williams and husband, Brian, Fort Scott; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Larry Rhoton and wife Janet, Hiawatha. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lavene Rhoton Stipp. Bill was never happier than when he spent time with his family.

 The Rev. Dennis Matthews and Rev. James Stigall will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, at Bronson United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., today, at the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the C.W. Rhoton Memorial Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, 501 Pine St., P.O. Box 16, Bronson, KS 66716. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.