LeRoy Edward (Pete) Tilton, 79, of White Cloud, KS, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015.  He was born in Iowa Point, Kansas, June 26, 1935, one of seven children of Albert and Alma Titus Tilton.  LeRoy grew up near Iowa Point where he attended country school prior to graduating in one of the last classes to graduate from White Cloud High School.  Pete served in the Army, 54th Infantry, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska for four years before returning to NE Kansas.  He was a lifelong member of the White Cloud American Legion Post #154.

Pete worked for the City of Everest, Kansas for ten years prior to owning and operating Tilton’s Bar in Everest for four years.  He worked for Doniphan County road and bridge department from 1982 until he retired in 1991.

Pete loved sports and was an avid KU and Royals Fan.  He was also a fan of Louis L’Amour and has read most of his books more than a 100 books, sometimes twice.  The most important things in Pete’s life were his children and grandchildren.  He was an avid story teller and loved sitting on his porch and having company.

Pete married Marilyn V. Hunt, June 30, 1956.  After Pete retired, they moved to Springdale, Arkansas where he operated a chicken farm for Jack Perry for six years, returning to White Cloud where he remained until his death.  She survives of the home.

Other survivors include six children:  Barry (Terry) Tilton of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jacqueline (Bob) Edie of Highland, Patrick (Kim) Tilton of White Cloud, Michelle Betts of Huron, KS, Carroll “Carl” (Lea) Tilton of Hiawatha, Ronald (Penny) Tilton, also of White Cloud; 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren.  Two sisters also survive:  Mida Bryan, Mary (Ed) Terryberry, both of Independence, MO, with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; two infant grandsons:  Eric Betts in 1998, Trevor Betts in 1999; his siblings: Ruth (Virgil) Richey, Opal (Jeff) Butner, Robert (Boney) Tilton, Burton “Bertie” (Aquila) Tilton, and brother in law Allen “Chub” Hunt.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 Sunday afternoon, April 19, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland.  Military honors conducted at the close of visitation by American Post #154, of White Cloud.  Cremation will follow visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Iowa Point Cemetery, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33, 66035.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com