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Walton A. Johnson Sr., Fireman of the Year

May 16, 2017

Walton Avery Johnson Sr., 90, died Monday, May 15, 2017, at his daughter-in-law’s home with his family by his side. He was born Sunday, May 15, 1927, at Johnson’s Corner, Sussex County, the oldest son of the late Ananias David “AD” Johnson and Dollie Elizabeth Lynch Johnson.

A highly skilled plumber and carpenter, he was a licensed Master Electrician by trade. He retired in 1991 from the Indian River School District where he had been responsible for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, as well as all electrical issues in the district’s schools.

He joined the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company in 1948, fulfilling a boyhood dream. He fondly recalled seeing Frankford’s 1934 Reo Seagrave fire engine race by his home as a young boy and wanted to become a fireman who could drive it or ride on the back-running board. He was an active member of the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company for 55 years. He served every elected and appointed office numerous times, including fire chief, president and chief engineer. He retired as a life member. In 1995, he was recognized for his leadership role in the volunteer fire service when the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association selected him as the State of Delaware’s 1995 Fireman of the Year. In 1996, he was inducted into the Delaware Firefighter’s Hall of Fame. In 1989, he had been inducted into the Delmarva Firefighter’s Hall of Fame. An advocate of firemanship education, he had taken extensive fire suppression education at the Delaware State Fire School.

A Freemason for over 69 years, he was a member of Doric Lodge No. 30, A.F. & A.M. and the Scottish Rite, Valley of Wilmington.

Active in civic affairs during the 1970s and 1980s, Mr. Johnson served on the Frankford Town Council where his extensive knowledge of the town’s water system was put to good use as water commissioner. He also served several terms as police commissioner. He was also recognized by the Boy Scouts of America Troop 258 for his volunteer work on their behalf.

He was a member for over 50 years of Frankford United Methodist Church as well as a member of Blackwater Fellowship Church in Roxana.

He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of over 50 years, Joyce Lorraine Hudson Johnson and his faithful and loyal son, Walton A. Johnson Jr.; by his parents; two older sisters, Helen E. Bensen and Gladys M. Lynch; and by two younger brothers and a sister, Horace Harold Johnson, Ralph Harris Johnson and Brenda L. Melson. He is survived by a younger brother, Darwin B. Johnson of Dagsboro; daughter-in-law Janet Lee Challman Johnson of Millsboro; two granddaughters, Michelle Lee Johnson Truitt and her husband Robert B. Truitt Jr., and Ellen Lorraine Johnson McCabe and her husband Keith M. McCabe, all of whom live in Millsboro; a grandson, Walton A. Johnson III and his wife Lisa of Milford; four great-grandchildren, Colby Brooks Johnson, Lindy Elizabeth Truitt, Leigha Ellen Truitt, and Kylie Ann McCabe; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following: Delaware Technical Community College Educational Foundation, 21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947, attention: Walton Sr. and Joyce Lorraine Johnson Endowment; Blackwater Fellowship Church, 34478 Roxana Road, Frankford, DE 19945; or VITAS Healthcare, 20773 Professional Park Blvd., Suite 200, Georgetown, DE 19947.

A viewing will take place Friday, May 19, at Frankford Volunteer Fire Company in the original Engine Bay from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will begin at noon, Saturday, May 20, at Blackwater Fellowship Church. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will be with his wife, Joyce, at Carey’s Cemetery in Frankford. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Melson Funeral Services. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

This obituary was originally written in 2012 by Walton and Joyce's one and only child. Walton, Jr. wanted to take part in celebrating his father's life if ever the time came he would predecease him. Unbeknownst to him and his family, Walton, Jr. passed one year later in 2013.

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