Donald L. Walton, age 81, of Wellston, passed away Sunday, February 28, 2021 at his home. He was born December 31, 1939 in Puritan, Ohio, son of the late Earl Walton and Bessie M. Tolbert Walton.
Don was a 1957 graduate of Wellston High School. He furthered his education by attending the University of Rio Grande, where he received a degree in Education in 1963. Don then received his Masters Degree in Administration from Xavier University in 1975.
Don was an educator, who taught in the Wellston City Schools for 17 years. He was the former Superintendent of Hope Haven Schools in Jackson, former Superintendent of the Hocking County MRDD Program and a former Principal at Pioneer School in Chillicothe. Following his retirement from education, Don worked for the Milton Banking Company.
He was a past member and President of the Wellston City Schools Board of Education. He was a member of Hope United Methodist Church and a former member of the Wellston Lion’s Club, the Ohillco Society and United Way of Jackson County.
In his spare time, Don enjoyed golfing, bowling, traveling, and watching his grandsons participate in sports and other school activities.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Peggy J. Hammond Walton, whom he married on September 3, 1960; daughter and son-in-law, Lynley and John Carey of Wellston; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Liz Walton of Lancaster; grandchildren, Justin and Jordan Carey of Wellston and Kyle and Drew Walton of Lancaster; nephews, Scott Walton (Geri) of Pomeroy, George Willis (Sheila) of St. Louis, Missouri and Joe Willis (Tina) of New Philadelphia; along with several cousins.
Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne Walton, Robert E. and Anne Walton and Kermit L. and Jane Walton; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, George and Wanda Jean Willis and Glen and Betty Hammond; and niece, Karen Hammond.
Private funeral services will be held Friday, March 5, 2021 at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston with Rev. Bob Davis and Pastor Susan Keeton officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given in Don’s memory to Heartland Hospice, 404 East Huron Street, Jackson, Ohio 45640; Hope United Methodist Church, 219 East First Street, Wellston, Ohio 45692; or Jackson County Area Ministries, 119 McKitterick Avenue, Jackson, Ohio 45640. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com