Mr. William E. Walton

March 2, 1921 - September 3, 2014

Bill was born in Sanger, CA, to C.L. and Mary Walton. He was raised on a farm in Caruthers, CA, and graduated from UC Davis, where he was in the ROTC program. During WWII Bill served in the Navy as an officer on an LST, transporting wounded soldiers and equipment across the English Channel. In 1944 he married Vi Gaines of Raisin City, CA. After the war he became a farmer and taught school at Caruthers Elementary for many years. Bill and Vi raised three daughters. Many community and church activities were important to Bill: Boy Scouts, Lion’s Club, PTA, Tumbleweed Bowmen’s Club, Methodist Church choir and the Square Wheelers. Bill loved the outdoors! Hiking, camping, backpacking, and fishing in the Sierras. His three girls cherish the memories of their wilderness adventures with Dad. In 1973 Bill married Mae Berrettini of Fresno. They moved to Minneapolis in 1985 and lived in Mae’s family home while they cared for her elderly aunt. After 22 years they returned to Fresno. Bill developed a talent for wood carving and gave his creations as gifts to his family and friends. Traveling, gardening, volunteering at their church, and being active members of the Sons of Norway were some of the activities Bill and Mae enjoyed.

Throughout his life Bill loved singing – everything from church hymns to rousing camp songs. He is remembered for his unique sense of humor, his generosity, and his love for God and family. Bill will be lovingly missed by his daughters and step daughter and their spouses: Becky and Rich Milne, Debby and Jim Henry, Cindy and Walt Webking, Bea Berrettini and Jerry Schoenherr; his 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, his Cambodian family, the Chens; and many family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home on September 11, 2014, at 6:00 pm. Remembrances may be made to: Smile Train USA – Free cleft lip and palate surgery around the world – P.O. Box 96231, Washington, DC, 20090, 1-800-932-9541, www.smiletrain.org