Thomas Allen Walton

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Allen Walton, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, on August 12, 2025. Tom passed away at home in Holly, Michigan, surrounded by family and in the care of Hospice of Michigan.

Thomas (Tom) was born July 18, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Norman Albert Walton and Mary Catherine (Clabaugh) Walton. Tom graduated from Northside High School in 1965. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Manchester College in 1973. He later attended Indiana University, working toward a master's degree in economics. He went on to build a successful career in the Detroit auto industry, culminating in his role as Director of Automotive Sales for Stabilus, a manufacturer of gas springs. In 1991, Thomas co-founded Huntington Foam Corporation LLC, a leading manufacturer of expanded polystyrene in shaped form. Thomas retired in 2012.

Thomas was a decorated United States Army Veteran, earning a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars, along with other distinguished awards. Thomas served 42 months active duty, graduating from Officer Candidate School as a Lieutenant in 1968. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam 1968/1969 as an Infantry Officer. Thomas was assigned to the 29th Civil Affairs Company that was embedded with troops, administering US aid, including teaching young students English, distributing rice to local villages, and assisting farmers. Thomas served another 16 years in the US Army Reserves, advancing to Captain, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Major.

Although Tom's military service helped to shape his life, it was his love of family that defined him. On August 8, 1998, Tom married the love of his life, Kathryn. Tom and Kathryn's families became one, joining Tom's two sons and one daughter with Kathryn's son. Tom and Kathryn (Kate) shared a zest for life, traveling the world together and building memories in every corner they visited. They had 32 wonderful years together. This August, they celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary, a testament to their deep bond and enduring partnership.

Tom was a devoted father and grandfather who encouraged his children and grandchildren to chase their goals, along with offering advice or a helping hand. He also enjoyed cheering them from the sidelines of their sporting events, teaching them to cast a fishing line, swing a golf club, or sharing his stories of the past. He took pride in creating experiences his family would treasure, from hunting trips and fishing excursions to family vacations and holiday traditions.

An avid outdoorsman, Tom especially enjoyed upland game hunting with his English Pointers, fishing in both fresh and salt water, and pursuing game across the U.S. and abroad. He was a lifelong golfer earning awards from college and US Army competitions, a devoted reader of history and outdoor books, and a loyal Notre Dame football and Indiana University basketball fan.

Tom is survived by his wife Kathryn (Cummings) Walton, sons Ryan Thomas Walton (Kristina Highfield) and Blair Allen Walton (Lauren Ulicny), daughter Christine (Walton) Bohm (Thomas Bohm), and stepson Brandon Vanno (Tanya Markos). He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Parker Walton, Brady Walton, Emma Walton, Norah Walton, Skylar Vanno, and Luke Bohm, his brother Doug Walton (Cyrie Palmer), sister Jody (Walton) Russell, and Aunt Phyllis (Fish) Dusky, along with numerous cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Norman Albert Walton and Mary Catherine (Clabaugh) Walton, along with his aunt Rosemary (McCall) Walton, and uncles John Robert Walton and Jim Allen Walton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Michigan Fish and Wildlife, Hospice of Michigan, or Service Dogs for Veterans.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 17, from 2 to 7 PM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, Milford, Michigan. The funeral service will take place Monday, August 18, 11:00 AM, at the same location, with visitation prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Procession to Hodge Cemetery where military honors and committal prayers will take place. Following services, all are encouraged to join at Kate Walton's residence for a continued time of gathering and fellowship.