David F. Walton

We mourn the loss of David F. Walton, 66, of 83 Smith Street, Gwinn. David left this earth June 23, 2008, after a year-long illness. David was born March 24, 1942, in Detroit, the youngest son of J. Leo and Julia McMillan Walton. He graduated from Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan, and then joined the U.S. Army to become a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles" in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The Army—especially paratroopers—held a lifelong fascination for him. Born a century too late most would say, David wanted nothing more than to farm 40 acres with a dozen or so Jersey and Guernsey cows, watch eagles navigate updrafts in the sky, and sit by a woodstove with a cup of tea and a good book. A knight-errant in the noblest sense, David had various jobs in various places, but his true calling came in working as a National Service Officer with the Michigan Military Order of the Purple Heart MOPH, securing benefits for veterans with the most need. More than one veteran has credited David with saving his life, saying he cared and took action when no one else would. David traveled the Upper Peninsula, from Iron Mountain and Escanaba to Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette, making himself available to and working on behalf of veterans who were told they could not be helped. He succeeded in getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits for disabled vets, literally lifting some off the streets into warm homes and better lives. David also managed the MOPH newsletter, writing and editing articles for publication across the state, and received recognition among the higher echelons of the Order's administration for his efforts in that arena. David's hobbies included watching the Red Wings win their Stanley Cups, playing semi-pro football, reading, wrangling musk-oxen, cracking quick jokes, helping his family, spinning tall yarns, assisting others whenever he could, and writing long, interesting missives via typewriter—then via the internet—in grand style. Known as "Yuk-Yuk" to childhood friends, David was often a little boy in a man's body, which endeared him to all. He never forgot a kindness, treasured his friendships through the years, and was ever eager to do a good deed. He will always be remembered for his ever-present wit and ready hand, but even more for his expansive, loving heart. David is survived by his wife Maxine Raisanen of Gwinn; daughters Kristin and Nicole Walton, and grandson Anthony Reynolds of Marquette; great-granddaughter Olivia Reynolds of Milwaukee; brothers Jack and Chuck Walton of Southfield, Mich; sister Julie Ann Tenbusch of Farmington Hills, Mich; brother Don Walton of Salt Lake City, Utah; brother Bobby of Southfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother, Joe Walton. A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, July 26, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Southfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to the Walton Family Fund established at the Marquette Community Federal Credit Union, or to the Forsyth Township Public Library. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is serving the family, and condolences may be expressed online at www.canalefuneral.com.