Billy Crueton Honored with Military Banner

On Sept. 17, Billy “Bill” Cureton and his family gathered at the corner of C and 7th streets for his military banner installation ceremony. Cureton served in the Navy for a total of nine years. He moved to Colton when he was seventeen, shortly after beginning school at Colton High School. Before he was able to graduate in September of 1942 he left to serve in the Navy for three years. However, he became active again in 1946 due to the Korean War where he served on an Air Force Carrier until 1951. After his time served he returned to Colton where he raised all five of his children: Joni, Anne, Thomas, William and Michael. The two younger boys William and Michael have passed away. Cureton’s daughter Anne said, “We all (Joni, Thomas, and herself) contributed to make sure our dad got his banner… I think it’s so cool that the city does this.” After Cureton returned from the Navy, he became really involved with the community. According to Anne, he coached Pop Warner Football and Little League Baseball. “He was also a part of the Lion’s Club in the 60s and 70s… that’s how he got involved with Little League. He loved being involved with sports and kids,” she mentioned. The day of the ceremony was a happy one for their family. “My dad’s doing pretty good for eighty-nine years old… we hoped this would get him excited to get up and go do something,” she shared. The banner is hung right by their mother’s house, as well. Cureton was so excited that he wanted his kids to drive him by his banner each day the following week. “Throughout the whole day he kept thanking everyone over and over again… it was such a good day for him, he loved it,” Anne said. About twenty-five people, including family and friends, came to support Cureton at the ceremony. “I didn’t deserve this more than anyone else. I’m so blessed by everyone,” Cureton said.