William L. Walton

Portland, ME – William L. Walton, 62, of Portland died Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at Maine Medical Center following a brief illness. He was the husband of Patty Jo Walton.

William was born in Biddeford, ME on January 6, 1948 a son of the late Charles Everett “Mike” and Evelyn Elizabeth (Lynes) Walton. He grew up in Saco and graduated from Thornton Academy, where he was a three-sport athlete.

William served his country in the US Army and is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War.

He graduated from S.M.V.T.I. as a machinist in 1977 and worked for several years in that trade at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. William has worked at the US Postal Service for the past 22 years.

He had many diverse interests including golf, skiing, running, biking, bowling, baseball, basketball, tennis, and swimming and relished athletic activities and competition out in the fresh air. He also enjoyed playing piano, riding his motorcycle and pursuing personal goals. His most treasured times though were with his wife and three sons. He was a loving father and a hard worker who led by example and put everything into his family.

William met his beloved wife of 36 years, Patty Jo, at Bonny Eagle pond where they and their family enjoyed many summers partaking in heated games of badminton before cooling off by swimming clear across the lake and back. An afternoon day of fishing would often end in the pitch dark, hungry and tired. He had a talent for turning friendly games into memorable marathons.

William always found time to spend with his family. Despite often working six days a week, or twelve hours at a time, he always found the energy to attend every concert or sporting event, never complaining that he was too tired and needed to rest. His presence grew to be expected, often overlooked by those who didn’t know the sacrifices William made to be there. He was truly a selfless man that enriched the lives of all that knew him. The world has lost a shining example of what a person should strive to be.

Along with his devoted wife Patty Jo, he is survived by three sons: Justin S. Walton and his wife Daria, William L. Walton II, and Harold J. Walton. He also leaves his grandson Philip Levon Walton who was born this past September, as well as his brother E. Thomas Walton, several nieces and nephews, and his mother-in-law Josephine Sawyer. He was also the brother of the late Charles, Richard and Edward Walton.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday, December 19, 2010, from 4-7 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland.

Prayers will be recited on Monday, December 20, 2010 at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 672 Stevens Ave, Portland with Rev. Jack D’Anjou celebrating.

Interment to follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

For those wishing, a donation can be made in William’s name to the Bruce Roberts Toy Fund.

Please visit www. jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign William’s guestbook.

Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home & Cremation Services

199 Woodford St.

Portland, ME 04103

207-775-3763

www.jonesrichandhutchins.com