Robert James Walton III, passionate individual
Robert James Walton III, 91, died Wednesday, March 26, 2014, after a brief illness in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he had been living since his retirement in 1980.
If there was one word to describe Bob, it would be passionate! Passionate at both work and life, Bob left a remarkable legacy.
Bob was born in Lewes to parents Robert J. Walton Jr. and the former Margaret Burbage. His early education started in Wilmington at the Friends and Tower Hill schools, finishing with graduation from Lewes High School in 1940. He enrolled at the University of Delaware where he attended until December, 1941 when he enlisted in the U.S Navy. He attended Officer’s Training School at both the University of Notre Dame and the University of North Carolina, graduating in 1944. It was during this time, he married Hilda Munson of Washington, D.C. Bob was then ordered to the North Pacific. Due to the newly created V12 College Scholarship Program, Bob attended and graduated from the Towne School of Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1948.
Bob only had two jobs - sales engineer at Wallace & Tiernen for nine years. He took his experiences, contacts, and knowledge of cathodic protection and started his own company with his British partner Tony Wilson. Starting with one employee, Bob took Wilson-Walton International to over 20 countries and 500-plus employees. An avid sailor, Bob loved the water, spending time with family and friends in Delaware, Florida and the Bahamas. No matter the weather, Bob took his overwhelming knowledge of the sea and navigation on these trips. He will always be remembered for being a gracious host, friend and mentor to many.
Bob leaves behind Hilda, his wife of 69 years; son Robert J. IV (Katherine) of Rehoboth Beach, son David M. (Frances) of Old Westbury, N.Y., daughter Priscilla A. Layton (Daniel) of Washington, Va., daughter Lisa Dunphy of Virginia Beach, Va., and son Charles G. (Eve) of Mason, Ohio; and eight grandchildren: James Rizzo (Rebecca) and great-granddaughter Sydney; Zoe (Steven) Cavinder, David and Christian Walton, Jack Layton, Michael Dunphy, Emily and Margo Walton.
Services will be private. Bob will be buried at a family plot adjacent to St. George’s Chapel an affiliate of All Saints' Episcopal Church, Bob’s life-long family place of worship. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to All Saints' Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or Planned Parenthood, 1108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.
