David Lavern Walton

David Lavern Walton, age 80, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Friday, March 17, 2023. David was born in Monroe, Michigan to Lavern Walton & Mary Walton (Ginther).

David traveled extensively after high school, living mainly in California and Florida while making frequent visits back to Monroe to see his family and friends. In 1973 during a visit to his home town, David realized that he believed in Jesus Christ. Acting upon his rediscovered awareness of what he believed as a child, David relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan in order to become part of a vibrant Christian community in that city. Christ remained the central focus of his life for the rest of his days.

David was employed for many years as a groundskeeper and a maintenance worker at the University of Michigan.

David married Mary Diane Conlisk in 1983 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Ann Arbor. Empathic and loyal, David was committed to making his new family happy. David worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. David was blessed with two children, son Joseph and daughter Mary.

He loved taking his family to Cedar Point every year, to the state fair and county fairs. He loved sports and played softball for several years on a team he coached. His favorite teams were the Wolverines, the Tigers, the Lions and whatever teams his children played on. David enjoyed playing his guitar and singing songs he composed, as well as popular ballads.

The family would like to thank all the friends who prayed and sang with David in the last few weeks of his life. You provided him with so much comfort and we are forever grateful for the care you demonstrated.

David is survived by his wife of 39 years, Diane Walton, nee Conlisk; his son Joseph Walton (Hannah) and grandchildren Ja’Von, Brian and Charlotte; by his daughter Mary Wilson (James) and grandsons Jamen and Jacob, by his sister Judith Beeson and his niece Robin Beeson (Chad Miller), grandnephews Zachary Beeson and Brandon Miller, great grandnephew Bowie Beeson; his niece Ann Marie Lawson ( Scott) ; grandniece Marissa, his nephew Thaddeus Conlisk (Marlene), grandnephews Kyle and Matthew, grandniece Makenna, and his nephew Donald Conlisk.

David was preceded in death by his father Lavern Woodrow Walton and his mother Mary Louise Walton.

A memorial visitation for David will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A scripture service will occur Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 7:00 PM, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A memorial visitation will occur Friday, March 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 Ave Maria Drive, Ann Arbor, MI. A memorial mass will occur Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 Ave Maria Drive, Ann Arbor, MI. A light reception will follow in the Parish Center gym.

Contributions in David's memory may be made to The Word of God- Relief Fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.muehligannarbor.com for the Walton family.