J.D. Litton

J.D. Litton January 9, 1920 – May 6, 2006 J. D. Litton, 86, of Waco, died at home early Saturday morning, May 6. Services will be held at Crestview Church of Christ on Tuesday, May 9, at 11:30 a.m. with the burial at Exray Cemetery, north of Stephenville, Texas on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Eddie Chance will be officiating. The family will receive visitors at Wilkerson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 8. J.D. Litton was born to James Litton and Minnie Flournoy Litton on January 9, 1920 in Lacasa, Stephens County, Texas. After graduating from Ranger High School in 1937, he attended Ranger Junior College. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII flying in the 3rd Photo Reconnaissance squadron. As a captain he flew the most recorded missions over Japan and piloted the first plane to ever land on Iwo Jima. He was awarded several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross plus one Oak Leaf Cluster and an Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. Returning from the war, he attended Texas A&M, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 1948. He began his career with Exporters & Traders Compress in Hillsboro and Waxahachie, later moving to Waco in 1960. His career spanned 46 years and included various positions from plant manager to company president. Maintaining this was the job path God had prepared just for him; he worked until age 75. On May 2, 1939 he met Vivian Fulbright, the love of his life, at his skating rink in Ranger, Texas. They married on August 12, 1943 in Colorado Springs where he was stationed before going overseas. A man known for life-long commitments, he remained true to his love for Vivian for 62 years. Together they parented and grandparented and greatgrandparented a close, loving family devoted to the Lord. Though he will be greatly missed, his godly influence will live on in countless lives. J. D. loved the Lord and was a deacon at the Crestview Church of Christ, serving in various capacities. His ministries included visitation, Meals on Wheels, worship committee head, tape ministry and innumerable behind-the-scenes acts of charitable support. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to this loving church family for their constant and compassionate support. Although proud to be an Aggie, J. D. loved Abilene Christian University, where he and Vivian have been members of the President’s Circle and where he served on the National Advisory Board. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Vivian Litton; sister, Hazel Phipps of Odessa; son, Bill Litton and wife, Deeanne of Waco; daughter, Cynthia Cooke and husband, Jim of Abilene; son, David Litton and wife, Diane of Tyler; granddaughter, Lacy Underwood and husband, Kevin of Arlington; grandson, Jim Litton and wife, Kelly of Dallas; granddaughter, Jennifer Cooke of Sugar Land; granddaughter, Emily Cooke of Abilene; grandson, Jonathan Cooke of Abilene; granddaughter, Lana Page and husband, Doug of Huntsville; granddaughter, Larissa Smith and husband, Kyle of Memphis, TN; granddaughter, Briana Litton of Abilene; great grandchildren: Matthew, Brynlee and Kasen Underwood and Drew and Allie Page; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorials may be made to the Vivian Fulbright Litton Endowed Scholarship at Abilene Christian University ACU Box 29130, Abilene, TX 79699 or a favorite charity. The family wants to extend heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Hillcrest Hospital and Hillcrest Hospice for their TLC. The family invites you to leave a memory or message in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.