Richard Compton

CMS Richard L. Compton   USAF Ret.
July 21, 1932 - December 13, 2015

In the early morning hours of December 13, 2015, our dear husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather was called home by his Heavenly Father after a valiant battle with cancer.  He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.  Richard was born July 21, 1932 to John Clayton Compton and Viola Mae Card in a gold mine in Sterling City, California.

He was the Propulsion Branch Chief with the Utah Air National Guard and served his Country for 36 years.  He served in the Vietnam War and Korean War.  He met the love of his life, Florence Johnson, in 1955 and they were married in Salt Lake City, Utah on February 18, 1956.  They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.  They were blessed with three daughters; Janice, Sharon and Carolyn.  Richard and Florence would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 18, 2016.

Richard was a natural mechanic and enjoyed working on any type of engine.  He was a head mechanic on Craig Breedlove’s “Spirit of America” which broke the world land speed record in 1964 and he also worked on the “Sonic I”.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several callings, including, Scoutmaster, High Priest Group Leadership and the Clerk’s Office.  Richard and Florence enjoyed attending the Temple.

Richard is survived by his wife, Florence, daughters, Janice Lukes, Sharon Compton and Carolyn (Jeff) Palmer, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his sister, Carol McAllaster of Camptonville, CA. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Viola Compton, sisters, Dolores Kirtner and Jacqueline Castle and grandson, Danny Lukes, Jr.

A viewing will be held Thursday evening, December 17, 2015 at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 East 7600 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84121 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Memorial services will be held December 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Cottonwood 1st Ward, 5913 South Highland Drive, Holladay, Utah 84121, with a viewing held from 10:00-10:45 a.m.  Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to express its thanks to the many caregivers, neighbors, friends and loved ones who cared for and rendered service to Richard and Florence during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

Funeral Recording