Salem – Donald Eugene Walton, 80, son of Marvin and Mona (Hess) Walton, died in Salem, Oregon, on Dec. 28, 2008. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his half-brother, Lyle Keck.
A native of Denver, Colorado, Don graduated from Colorado College of Education in Greeley and began his teaching career in Wichita, Kansas, where he taught junior and senior high art and basic science for four years.
He moved to Salem in 1954 to teach at Parrish Junior Highs School and then at Judson Junior High School. He received his M.S. degree at University of Oregon. In 1966 he became the art supervisor for the Salem-Keizer School district, working in art administration until his retirements in 1986.
He was an accomplished teacher and artist, and his work was featured in a number of shows and galleries, and many private collections in Salem and beyond. He was active in several art organizations, and was one of the primary organizers of the Keizer Art Association. He was a member of Morningside United Methodist Church for many years and since 1988 a member of First United Methodist Church. He served on various church committees over the years.
In retirements, don was a volunteer carver at the Salem Riverfront Carousel for seven years, 1996 – 2004. Since moving to Capital Manor Retirement Community in 1999, he has been a member of the Manor Art Gallery Committee, where his work has been shown several times. He was a Master Gardener and greatly enjoyed sharing the fruits and flowers of his gardens with others. Fishing the rivers and lakes of Oregon was his third great passion and even in the poor health of recent years he kept his tackle box ready “just in case”
Don married Ruth Boydston in Wichita in 1951. He is survived by Ruth, his sons; Jerry Walton, Randy Walton and wife Denise, Jon Walton and wife Christine Ertl, and Ken Walton.; his step-sons, Shawn and Bryce Huff, and grandchildren Jasper and Emily Walton. A Sister, Viva Ertler, of Tacoma, Washington as well as nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of life will be held at the Capital Manor auditorium at 2:00 pm, Friday, January 9. A private interment will take place at city View Cemetery, Salem at a later time. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Capital Manor Foundation 1955 Dallas Hwy NW Salem, 97304 or the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund 600 State St Salem, OR 97301 or to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.