Lt. Colonel Leroy Walton

Lt. Colonel Leroy (Lee) Walton

Palm Springs - Loving father, spouse, friend to many, Lee Walton passed away on July 10th, 2019 from a long illness in the arms of his spouse Phil Catalli of 24 years.

Lee had a long 2 wonderful lives. Born in Neptune Township, NJ, and later attended Boston University on a football scholarship, graduated with a BA in Education. He joined the Army, married, and started a family with 5 kids, traveling all over to various Army bases including Germany. Lee also served 2 tours to Vietnam in 1967 & 1972 before settling in Aberdeen, Maryland at the Aberdeen Proving Ground as Director of Security and Provost Marshal. Lee received 2 Legion of Merit, 2 bronze stars, air metal, Joint forces Commendation Metal. He enrolled at John Hopkins University to receive his Masters in Education. After serving his 20 years, Lee retired from the Army. He worked for many years for Best Products, Egghead Software, & Paccar Automotive running eastern & western divisions in loss prevention respectfully. Moving to California Bay Area in 1989 Lee started his second life when he later met his partner Phil Catalli and recited in Mountain View. After visiting Palm Springs a couple times they both fell in love with the desert and decided to be permanent "Desert Dwellers" in 1997. 2 months later, Lee & Phil decided to start a Front Runner & Walker chapter in the Desert. A non-profit running & Walking social club for the GLBT. People fled in and the club later grew to 400 members. The club did many charitable endeavors including an annual 5K run held during PS Pride Weekend. After 10 years with Frontrunners Lee & Phil stepped down from their board positions to become members. For their achievements from Frontrunners, Lee & Phil received a Woody Baldwin award, Community Organization award from the DBA, GLSEN Star ward, Desert Rainbow Foundation Hall of Fame, Community Grand Marshals at the Greater PS Pride in 2011. Lee was beloved by many, many family & friends… Along with his 5 kids, he had many grandchildren & a few Great grand children.

Lee will always be known for being loving father, spouse, & leader in the Desert Community. He will always be well regarded as a "Easy going", "one of a kind person"…. he will be missed !!