Colton Thomas Willingham went to be with our Lord and Savior on August 15, 2015 at the Hospice of North Idaho. He was born on August 11th, 1993 in Richland, Washington the son of Thomas J. and Rikke Shillingstad Willingham. Colton had a goal of living until he was 22 and he made it! Colton spent most of his younger years in Kennewick, Washington attending school there and moved to Hayden with his parents six years ago.

Colton was born with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystophy and despite most of his life in a power chair he enjoyed many activities including trips to Disney World, Hawaii and Mexico with his family. His life had a big highlight in third grade when he received his service dog “Smitty” who was a faithful chocolate labrador companion! Wishing Star gave Colton a trip to the Mariners to meet Edger Martinez before he retired and that remained a wonderful memory. He loved online gaming and had acquaintances around the world that he played with. Going to the latest action movie was always something Colton loved. Colton was the resident movie critic and had a wealth of information and trivia about any movie.

He loved going to church and youth group and had a strong faith in God and had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Colton knew this world was not his home and had made plans ahead for his burial and memorial service. He was a remarkable young man. He was fortunate to have had three brothers who were his best friends and a loving home. Colton will be remembered for his positive attitude in adversity and he always had a smile and welcome for whoever came through the door. Romans 8:18 says that “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” These were verses that Colton believed.

Colton is survived by his parents and three brothers; Brenton and Carson in Kennewick and Jackson in Hayden. He is also survived by his grandparents Bob and Jane Shillingstad of Hayden, Idaho, and the following uncles and aunts: Dr. Bret & Dr. Lorraine Shillingstad of Madison, Wisconsin; Jodee and Bob Brooks of Avon Lake, Ohio; Heidi and Glenn Zeigler of San Diego, California; Tim Willingham, Allen & Laura Willingham, Andy and Margaret Willingham, Twana Willingham, and Pauline and Ore Fabbri all of Texas and numerous cousins.

A celebration of Colton’s life will be held Thursday August 20th, 2014 2:00pm at Yates funeral home Coeur d’ Alene Chapel. A Graveside Service will follow the Memorial Service at Riverview Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Colton’s name to the Hospice House of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815 in appreciation of the care he received there.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Colton’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.