Billy Joe Dutton

Billy Dutton Sr., 77, of Hawley, Texas, left this earth to be with our Lord on February 19th 2015 in Abilene, Texas. Born in Concordia, Kansas, March 8th 1937, he was the son of Edward Thomas Dutton and Oneta (Bombardier) Dutton. He married Virginia Stephens on October 12th 1958 in Murtaugh, Idaho. Bill attended school in Bellville, Kansas until he and his family moved to Idaho in 1949. Bill graduated from Murtaugh High School, then enlisted in the US Navy on January 17th 1955 and served on active duty until December 11th 1957. He served in the naval reserve until honorably discharged on January 18th 1963. Bill served aboard the USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) as a Machinist’s Mate second class. Bill was active in sports playing basketball and football for Murtaugh High School and boxing for the Twin Falls golden gloves. Bill continued his boxing career in the US Navy. Bill had a genuine love for children, along with helping others, while at the same time he was always too proud to ask others for help. On October 13th 1960 Bill began a career with El Paso Natural Gas in Murtaugh, Idaho. When El Paso split in 1970 Bill went to the Northwest Pipeline division where he continued his 35 year long career until retiring in 1995. In retirement Bill enjoyed agriculture and livestock. He continued that pursuit in Big Piney, Wyoming until 2011 when he and Virginia moved to Hawley, Texas to be closer to family. He was preceded in death by a son Timothy Lee Dutton; his wife Virginia Dutton; and his parents. Bill is survived by three brothers, Edward Lorraine Dutton, Johnny Ray Dutton and wife Molly, and Tommie Lee Dutton; son Billy Dutton Jr. of Aztec, NM; daughter Joy Lynn Garrard and husband Frank of Hawley; three grandchildren, Jason Garrard, Amanda Shaner and husband James, and Tom Dutton; two great grandchildren, Lily and Desiree Shaner; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are being made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Memorials may be made in Honor of Billy J. Dutton Sr. to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5616, Abilene TX 79608, or the Alzheimer’s Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 S. Pioneer Dr. Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605.