Obituary of Durward Kelton

Durward M. (Woody) Kelton, 94, passed away June 28, 2013 at Ellis Hospital. Born in Bellows Falls, VT, he was the son of the late John and Gladys (Smith) Kelton. Durward graduated from Vermont Academy, Saxons River, VT. He worked a short while for the Walhalla Farm in Rexford,NY before being drafted into the U.S. Army on January 6, 1941. He was wounded in action at the Battle of the Heurtgen Forest and sent to England for 5 months for recuperation. On returning to his infantry unit, he was promoted to Captain and was honorably discharged on November 19, 1945. He married the former Virginia Dykeman on July 31, 1948. Durward was employed as head groundskeeper for the Rockefeller Estate in Tarrytown, NY for 28 years and upon retiring returned to the area, settling in Glenville. Durward is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, his daugyter Susan West of Bethel, CT, granddaughter Erica (Allan) Zabrecky of Brookfield, CT and grandson Bryan West of Bethel, CT. One niece Sherry Lee (Robert) Yandow of Williston, VT. Two cousins, Joan Lake of Grafton, VT and Charlie (Shirley) Kelton of Westminster, VT. He was preceded in death by his brother Gerald Kelton. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 11 AM at Burnt Hills United Methodist Church, 860 Saratoga Rd. Burnt Hills with Rev. Gail Falsetti officiating. Calling hours will be held Tuesday at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. (off Rte. 50) from 6 PM to 8 PM.