Francis X. "Frank" Walton

Dr. Francis X. "Frank" Walton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, psychologist, educator, and pioneer in Adlerian childcare, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina, at the age of 88.
Born on September 30, 1937, in Wheeling, West Virginia and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Frank grew up in the city that would always hold a special place in his heart. Frank had a sharp mind, a strong work ethic, and a curiosity that would later drive him to earn his Ph.D. and make a global impact as a psychologist, teacher, and mentor. He attended John Carroll University, where he played football and later earned a place in the university's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. He was given the name of "Crazy Legs" during his playing days and was the leading rusher and still holds the school record for the most yards per carry in a single season. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1960, and after being cut, pivoted to playing football while serving in the U.S. Army from 1960-62 in which his team defeated the Quantico Marines for the National Service Championship in the prestigious Missile Bowl in 1963. Frank later continued his athletic pursuits at the University of South Carolina, where he played rugby and was inducted into the USC Rugby Hall of Fame in 2025.
Frank's intellectual passion led him to a distinguished career in psychology. He completed his graduate studies at the University of South Carolina and earned his doctorate in Psychology under the mentorship of Adlerian scholar Rudolf Dreikurs. From 1967 to 1974, he served as Associate Director of the University of South Carolina Counseling Center. He went on to build a thriving private practice in Columbia, South Carolina, that spanned over four decades.
A lifelong advocate of Adlerian psychology, Frank was deeply committed to helping children, families, and professionals. He and his wife Kathy co-founded the Adlerian Child Care Centers and Kindergartens and taught for many years at the South Carolina Adlerian Summer Institute. As a longtime faculty member of ICASSI (International Committee of Adlerian Summer Schools and Institutes), he played a significant role in expanding Adlerian practices worldwide. He has taught and been a keynote speaker in countless European Countries, South America, China, Japan, and South Korea. He also developed a therapeutic technique known as "The Most Memorable Observation," which remains a valuable tool in Adlerian counseling. He has been recognized by his peers as "a counselor to counselors" and "therapist to therapists".
Dr. Walton was a respected author and presenter. His co-authored books Winning Children Over (with R. L. Powers) and Winning Teenagers Over have been translated into multiple languages. His educational videos The Use of The Most Memorable Observation and Teen Suicide: An Approach to Prevention earned widespread recognition, including a Golden Eagle Award. He also served as president of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology and was honored with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of dedication and service.
At the core of Frank's life was his family. He shared 64 loving years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathy, they were a true love story, and he was a devoted father to Cindy McCawley (Patrick), Patti Agatston (Andrew), Teresa Hubbard (Jim), and Mike Walton (Daniel). He was a proud grandfather to Kelsey McCawley Hoover (Bryan), Sean McCawley (Jacki), Colin McCawley, Austin Agatston, Jack Agatston (fiancé Marilyn), Nicki Hubbard, and Samantha Hubbard, Marshall Walton and Matthew Walton, and a delighted great-grandfather to Lucy McCawley.
Frank instilled in his children and grandchildren a deep love for family, and he created a home where gathering together was not only important, but joyful. His enthusiasm for bringing people together made every family visit feel like a celebration. Whether it was enjoying a big meal with good food and drinks, or diving into spirited games-flashlight tag, ladder golf, croquet, bocce ball, or indoor favorites like charades, board games, and even hide-and-seek in the house. Frank brought a contagious fun-loving energy that made everyone want to show up, play, and laugh. His ability to turn simple moments into lasting memories is a legacy his family continues to carry forward.
Frank found joy in nature and the outdoors. He loved hiking, gardening, canoeing, playing tennis, fly fishing, and cheering on his favorite teams the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He cherished the home he and Kathy had in the woods on Walton Pond. He had a love of fishing and managing the pond, often referring to their homestead as "the land of milk and honey." As much as he loved being in his home, he was also a passionate traveler. He visited at least 51 countries across six continents and passed this love of adventure on to his children through countless road trips and international journeys.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Regina Walton, his brothers in law, Kenneth Hoffman, Norbert (Butch) Hoffman, and Robert (Bob) Donalies. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Kathy) his sisters, Patricia (Patty) Donalies and Kathleen Bond; his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his wisdom, kindness, humor, and steadfast presence.
A funeral service to celebrate Dr. Walton's remarkable life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 195 Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin, SC, 29036, followed by graveside and reception in the St Andrews Hall at the church.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Whitaker Funeral Home, 939 Chapin Rd., Chapin, SC, 29036.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. Frank Walton to one of the following:
1. Dr. Frank Walton Scholarship at ICASSI
Donations may be made by check or via PayPal.
Checks:
Joseph Cice, Ph.D.
48 Maluniu Ave, Apt. 4
Kailua, HI 96734
Please note: Dr. Frank Walton Scholarship
PayPal:
info.icassi@gmail.com
Please reference: Dr. Frank Walton Scholarship
2. Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church
120 Marydale Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
Please reference: In Memory of Francis Walton
Memories and messages may be left on his tribute wall.
Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Walton family.