Charles M. Walton, Jr.

Charles M. Walton, Jr., known fondly as Chuck, age 92, of Delaware City, DE, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2013.
Born in Fishers Island, NY, on March 24, 1921, Chuck was the son of the late Master Sgt. Charles M. Walton, Sr. (USA Ret.) and Maude Harnish Walton. He spent most of his early life in the Panama Canal Zone, later moving with his family to Fort Logan, CO, and then to Delaware City just before the start of World War II. He graduated from Delaware City High School in 1940 and would go on to enlist in the US Navy. During World War II, he became an electrician’s mate and briefly served aboard a destroyer, the USS Niblack. Following this deployment, he served on the historic repair ship, the USS Delta (and would remain a proud member of its reunion group until his passing).
Following his honorable discharge from military service, Chuck returned to make his home in Delaware City. He worked at Continental Can in Wilmington and for Deemer Steel Casting Company in New Castle. He became a licensed electrician and, in 1985, retired from the Texaco Corporation (formerly Getty Oil) as a maintenance electrician.
A beloved member of the Delaware City community, Chuck was a lifetime member of the DAV and the American Legion, and a charter member of the Delaware City Recreation Club. He was also an elder and former treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church of Delaware City. In 2006, he served as grand marshal for Delaware City Day. Chuck will be sorely missed by his loving family, his dear friends, and those many people who delighted in listening to the interesting stories of his experiences of growing up in a military family. He was an avid storyteller and a quick friend to everyone who met him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty Tugend Walton and by siblings, Fred A. Walton and Virginia M. Walton. He is survived by his children, Charles M. Walton III (Jean) of Dover, Wendy A. Oakes (Frank who passed away in February 2013) of Naples, FL, and Linda W. Heeren (Dan) of Middletown; brother, Henry Walton (Beverly) of Delaware City; niece, Jill Walton of Delaware City; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and a great great grandson.
A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 25th, at the First Presbyterian Church, 138 Jefferson Street, Delaware City, where visitation will begin at 11 am. Interment with military honors will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 4105, Delaware City, DE 19706; or to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.