Thomas Walton

Thomas Darrel Walton, 80, of Lakehills, Texas, passed away on July 14, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas.\r\n\r\nTom was born on February 26, 1940, in Bronson, Texas, the seventh of eleven children of Thomas Leon and Minnie Estelle Walton. He was the loving husband of Barbara Boggs Walton; they shared 26 wonderful years together.\r\n\r\nIn his early years, Tom lived in small communities in East Texas, including Blue Springs, Sexton, Bronson, and Hemphill. He worked farming jobs, such as shucking corn, wrangling chickens, and cutting lumber; sold magazine subscriptions by horseback; and managed a roller-skating rink in Many, Louisiana.\r\n\r\nTom was a 1957 graduate of Hemphill High School. Following his military career, he received a Bachelor's Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, making him the first in his family to receive a college degree.\r\n\r\nTom was proudest of his service in the United States Air Force. He enlisted in 1958 and served in Alaska, Hawaii, Turkey, South Vietnam (1969), Germany and San Antonio. He served his entire career under USAF Security Service, completing his last tour as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Friendly Systems Division, Directorate of Electronic Warfare Systems Evaluation, Air Force Electronic Warfare Center.\r\n\r\nDuring his 20 years and 13 days of service, Tom received numerous individual and unit citations and medals including: Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Fourth Battle Star, and Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. When he retired in June 1978, he held the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.\r\n\r\nThroughout the 26 years that he lived in Lakehills, Tom served locally as a volunteer for several organizations and local activities. He held several offices with American Legion Post 410, was a past Treasurer of the Lakehills Civic Center, and was on the Lakehills/Pipe Creek Library Board for several years. Tom had also been an active volunteer at the Lakehills United Methodist Church. He seldom attended a meeting without coming home with a task. \r\n\r\nIn addition to his wife, Barbara, Tom is survived by four children, including Darryl (Laura) Walton of Houston, TX, Janet Vincze of Plano, TX, and Dennis (Katherine) Walton of Sandy Hook, CT, five grandchildren, including his namesake, Thomas Darryl Walton, seven siblings, and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, Tom is survived by Barbara's daughter, Cindy (Cesar) Valenzuela, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as Barbara's siblings.\r\n\r\nTom is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Robert Walton; his grandson, Richard Walton; his siblings, Opal Walton, Marlin Walton and Nelda Walton; and Barbara's son, Michael Boggs \r\n\r\nViewing will be held at Grimes Funeral Chapels on Friday, July 17th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a private graveside service on Saturday, July 18th, at the Pipe Creek Cemetery in Pipe Creek, Texas. A memorial service will be held in Lakehills at a later date.\r\n\r\nIn lieu of flowers, Barbara asks that you consider donations to American Legion Post 410, PR 37, Lakehills, TX 78063 or a charity of your choice.\r\n\r\nThe family invites you to share condolences at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com, by selecting the "Send Condolences" link.\r\n