Pastor Wilton R. Swires, 89 of Sterling went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Visitation will be held from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday, July 6 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 7 at the Lighthouse Baptist Church with Pastor Justin Steimer officiating. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery.

Wilton was born April 11, 1929 in South Standard, Illinois to Darwin and Myrtle (Stewart) Swires. He married Marcille E. Ahrenholtz, June 1, 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska. He enjoyed his flowers and visiting with people.

Wilton was a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church. He spent over 60 years in the ministry in several states including Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas and Colorado. Wilton received his training at the Omaha Bible Institute where he graduated in 1951 with honors. His senior year he was chosen to represent the Institute and would travel and preach on most weekends. Wilton planted several churches during his 60 plus years of ministry. He was truly a shepherd of people, he loved everyone he met and he loved teaching the word of God, verse by verse. He talked to people about Jesus even during his last few days on earth. Wilton was also a carpenter and mason who used his skills to build several of the buildings for the churches he started. Wilton would willingly give the shirt off his back for someone in need. He will surely be missed.

Wilton is survived by his wife Marcille; children, Linda Harkness and husband Gene of Chillicothe, Ill., Daniel Swires and wife Sue of Lafayette, CO, Sharon Nance and husband Ken of Magnolia, Ill. and Marcia Miller and husband Kurt of Sterling, CO; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and three brothers.

Contributions may be made in Wilton's memory to the Lighthouse Baptist Church in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.