William 'Bill' Walton, retired from DOC

William "Bill" A. Walton of Ellendale passed away Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, at Milford Memorial Hospital surrounded by his wife and children. Mr. Walton was born Aug. 28, 1940, to the late Mrs. Elsie Mae Walton and Mr. William M. Walton Jr.

Mr. Walton retired from the Delaware Department of Corrections with the rank of lieutenant after 35 years of service. In addition to a career in corrections, Bill was a lifetime farmer and very active in the community. He served as president of the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department, treasurer of the Delaware Pork Producers, as well as a member of the Ellendale Ruritans.

Mr. Walton was passionate about life and never without a good story. Family and friends will always remember countless hours reliving tales of adventures past and present. He enjoyed many days traveling the Eastern Shore with his good friend, the late Avery Bowen, sampling cuisine and adding chapters to his book of stories. Bill was a well-known and respected philanthropist and always quick to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Mr. Walton is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathleen Walton; sons Clay and Wayne Walton; daughter Dawn Walton Kiker; brother Kenneth Walton; grandchildren Kayla Kiker, Miranda Walton and Billy Walton; nephew G.K Walton; and nieces Christine Stevenson and Faye Hudson.

A memorial service will be 6 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3, at Ellendale Fire Hall, Main Street, Ellendale, with visitation from 5 p.m. to 6 pm. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Wilson, Dr. Cindy, Dr. Perez and the entire Milford Hospital ICU staff for their compassionate care and his special friends, Keith Ketterman and the crew of Air Force One.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 5, Ellendale, DE 19941. Arrangements handled by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.