Jesse "Richard" Anderton's Obituary
Jesse Richard Anderton passed away peacefully at his home in Argyle on September 30, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born in Dallas, Richard graduated with the first class of W.W. Samuell High School in 1957 before serving proudly in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1961. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, Parris Island, and aboard the USS Bushnell Submarine Tender, he carried the lessons of loyalty, discipline, and devotion to country with him throughout his life. It was in the service of his country that he learned his craft. Richard built a successful dental lab business in Carrollton. He was well known for his tireless work ethic, often logging more hours than most thought possible. But he balanced that work with laughter and joy. Richard loved 1950s rock and roll—especially the kind you could “push dance” to. He loved to laugh and never missed a chance to be silly. He had a playful way of teasing those around him—his sisters, his sisters-in-law, nieces, cousins, employees, the Dental Assistants next door, and the lifelong family friends from Pleasant Grove. His humor was always good-natured, meant to make people smile, and it left everyone with stories to tell. His lighthearted teasing was simply part of the joy he carried into every relationship.
He had a lifelong love of cars, especially hot rods, and enjoyed working on them or going to the races with his son Mitch. He never missed a chance to watch his high school friend Joe Eddie drag race. He was also known for living life to the fullest: fishing with his friend Kenneth “Lily Pad” Allen, hunting with Michael “Rabbit” Harris, cheering through football parties with lifelong friends from Pleasant Grove or work colleagues, or traveling with Ruth, family, and friends to places like Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe.
Most of all, Richard delighted in investing in his family. He believed in giving his children and grandchildren opportunities - through education, travel, and experiences - that would shape their futures and carry forward his values of independence and strength. His happiest moments were simple ones: under the pool table with his grandson Mark surrounded by dinosaurs, inventing Barbie adventures with his granddaughter Alina, or watching a movie at home with Ruth by his side.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Leo and Mozelle Estelle Williams Anderton; his brother Dr. Robert M. Anderton and wife Eddie Bea (Baker); his sister Pat (Anderton) Wilburn; and his niece Robin Anderton. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth (McKissack) Anderton; his son Robert “Mitchell” Anderton (and wife Gloria), daughter Amy Nuel Anderton (and husband Johnny); his sister Linda (Anderton) Bracken; his sister-in-law Rita McKissack; his ex-son-in-law Anthony Diamond McSpadden; his grandchildren Mark Robert Anthony McSpadden and Alina Nuel Robin McSpadden; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends he also called family.
Richard will be remembered as honorable, loyal, generous, funny, and always more than fair—a man of faith who lived by example rather than words. In his honor, the family encourages you to do as he often did: the next time you see a man or woman in a uniform of service to our country, whether it's military service or first responders, buy their coffee, their meal, or their drink as a way to say thank you. Tell them, "This is for Richard".
Donations in his name are lovingly welcome and much appreciated to Oak Hill Animal Rescue or St. Jude's Research Hospital for Children.
Oak Hill Animal Rescue: https://www.ohar.org/memorialdonations
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