Thomas Walton

1918 - 2016

Age 98, on December 3, 2016, in Surprise, AZ, formerly of Clairton, PA, Gary IN, and Cape Coral FL. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Matilda "Tilie" Sunday Walton. He is survived by special friend Evelyn Frazier. He is also survived by sons Thomas (Mary Lou) of Eloy, AZ, Jon (Carol) of Mt. Lebanon, PA, and William of Macy, IN. He was the grandfather of Anne Walton, Leigh Ellen Walton Mackenzie, Tommy Walton, David Walton, Diane Walton Hendricks, Quinn Walton Ales, Veronica Walton, and Jason Walton who lost his life in Afghanistan. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren. Mr. Walton was born September 7, 1918, to John and Lucy Walton in Jarrow-on-Tyne, England. He came with his parents, brothers Harry and Jon, and sister Olive to the United States in 1925; they all preceded him in death. Reared in a family of musicians, he began playing trumpet at an early age and won the Pennsylvania state championship when he was 14. He and his brothers played professionally with local bands and on the road; his favorite was playing in the Big Band Era. He was an active Shriner in the Pittsburgh area, Gary, IN, and Fort Myers, FL., where he led their dance band for many years; he was also honored to be a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. He worked for nearly 35 years as a manager in the accounting department of U.S. Steel plants in Clairton and Gary and enjoyed a second career with the city parks in Cape Coral, FL. He was also a charter and life member of the Cape Coral Elks. A committal service will take place on Saturday, December 10th at 1 PM at Jefferson Memorial Park, in the Mausoleum Chapel. A memorial service will follow at 3 PM in the chapel at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon 15228. The family will greet friends following the service. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, phone 813-281-0300.