April 11, 1925 – February 11, 2021
Because of bad weather the funeral of Homer “Jay” Walton’s funeral originally scheduled for visitation for this evening (Monday) from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and the funeral on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 11:00 a.m. has now been rescheduled. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.. The funeral is now scheduled from Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. at Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes.
Jay went to heaven on the evening of February 11, 2021, in his home surrounded by his family.
Born on April 11, 1925, in Indianapolis, IN, he was the son of Homer E. Walton, Sr. and Mable (Chambers) Walton. He married his childhood sweetheart Maralou Watson Walton on April 11, 1948, and they enjoyed 72
loving years together.
He retired from U.S. Naval Avionics Center on April 11, 1980, as the Superintendent of Public Works. He began employment in April 1948 after serving six years in the Navy during World War II. He was discharged as a Chief Petty Officer, recalled in 1950 for the Korean Conflict, and served two more years returning to work at the Center. He spent a total of 35 years with the Navy.
Survivors include his wife, Maralou; two sons, Larry J. Walton (Debbie) of Bedford and J. Travis Walton of Bedford; four grandchildren, Carly L. Walton of Owensboro, KY, Cody L. Walton (Sara) of Bloomington, IN, Kelsey G. Walton of Nashville, TN, and Garrett L. Walton of Bedford, IN; 2 great-grandchildren Mason and Emmett; two sisters, Juanita Parish and Marjorie Miller, both of Indianapolis, IN; special niece and nephew, Rebecca and Roy Hillenburg of Friendswood, TX and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
After retirement, he continued with his vision and love by purchasing land to farm, raise grain and hay, and cattle for the purpose of leaving a legacy for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jay graduated from Needmore High School in 1943 and awarded with the Ray W. Fry Outstanding Alumni Award in 2014. He was past president of the Lawrence County Beef Cattle Association, past State President of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, and a member of the National Beef Cattle Association Board of Directors. He belonged to the Elks Club, American Legion Post #33, Masonic Lodge and Scottish Right of Indianapolis, IN (Brookside Lodge), IU Medical Center Foundation Board, and he was Supervisor for Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation Board.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Robert and Kenny, Brother-in-Law Russell E. Watson, and sister-in-law Mildred (McPike) Watson.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made to the North Lawrence Community School Scholarship Foundation in remembrance of Jay.
Visitation will be Monday, February 15th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with services on Tuesday, February 16th at 11 a.m. Visitation and services will be held at Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford. Following the service, Jay will be laid to rest in Cresthaven Memory Gardens where Military Rites will be accorded by the Honor Guard of Gillen Post 33 of the American Legion.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.FergusonLee.com.
