Stephen C. Britton died Jan. 19, 2014, in Buckley at the age of 71.

He was born Jan. 10, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, the third child of Sylvester and Erma Britton. The family moved from Ohio and eventually settled in Texas. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960. After being discharged in 1962, he traveled around the U.S., eventually landing in Houston, Texas, where he made his home for the next 40 years and raised two children while working as a salesman in the oilfield and petro-chemical industry. He also worked in the air conditioning and heating industry for a short time. In 2009 he retired and, in 2010, he moved to Buckley to live closer to his son. He enjoyed photography, camping, traveling, cooking and tinkering in his garage with various projects. For most of his life he found great joy in music as a performer, composer and teacher. He was a member of several music groups in Texas and Washington. Most recently he played percussion in The Gateway Concert Band in Enumclaw. He was a member of the Buckley Chamber of Commerce, volunteered with the Buckley Log Show and numerous events at the Expo Center in Enumclaw, and was chosen to be the grand marshal of the Buckley Log Show parade in 2012.

He is survived by brothers William of Fairlawn, Ohio, and Tom of Yamhill, Ore., and his son, Richard and wife Sara of Seattle.

He requested that donations be made to the Gateway Concert Band, P.O. Box 859, Buckley, 98321.

An informal celebration of his life is being planned. For details, contact Weeks’ Funeral Home in Buckley at 360-829-1171.

All may sign the online guest book at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Stephen-Britton/Buckley-WA/1334819.