Harold Walton

Harold K. Walton, 85, of Whitehall, PA, formerly of Decatur, IL, died Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Fellowship Villa where he was residing. He was the husband of Mary E. (Gorden) Walton to whom he was married 62 years last June 14. Born in Decatur, IL, January 15, 1931, Harold was the son of the late Floyd and Mae (Brule) Walton. Harold graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1949, Niantic-Harristown High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State Normal University in 1953, and began his teaching career in Decatur. He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era from 1953 – 1955. Harold earned his Master’s Degree from Millikin University in 1958, graduating summa cum laude. Post – graduate work was done at the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois at Springfield. He taught in Decatur for 19 years and was an elementary principal for an additional 19 years before retiring in 1991. He was employed by World Book, Inc. from 1958 – 2007. Harold held life memberships in the Illinois Principals’ Association, National Education Association, and the Illinois Congress of PTA. He was a member of Central Christian Church, Decatur, IL, where he served as usher and deacon.Survivors: In addition to his wife, Mary; daughters, Linda E. Theurer and her husband, Philip of Mechanicsville, VA, Diane L. Richter and her husband, Kevin of Schnecksville, PA; sisters, Devonna Snow of Springfield, IL, Kathleen Wood of Phoenix, AZ, June Fried of Lincoln, IL, and Jeanine Shively of Pekin, IL: brothers, Kenneth Walton of Combined Locks, WI, and Rodney Walton of Canton, MO; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; predeceased by siblings, Donald and Winona.Service: Funeral services will be held 10:30 am. Friday, March 18, 2016 at Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Homes, 2827 North Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Family and friends may pay their respects from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Friday in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown, IL.Contributions: Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704. "
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