John R. Walton

John Richard Walton passed away April 9, 2024.

John was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on January 22nd, 1941 to Henry and Alma Walton. Spending most of his life in Michigan, he graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1960. John was particularly proud of his service in the Marine Corp Reserves and would be scarcely seen without his Marine Corp baseball cap. He graduated from Michigan State University and enjoyed remaining connected to his alma mater through athletics. John was an independent person and an entrepreneur spending many years self-employed in sales and advocacy for fuel additives. He married his wife Donna on October 17, 1992. 

Surviving are his daughter, Christine Walton, sons John Walton Burnight, Dan Hirleman, and stepson Josh Moon. He is also survived by his sister Anne Roderick, and grandchildren Cacey Hirleman, Amanda Layman, Beckett Moon, and Lu Moon. He was preceded in passing by his wife Donna Walton, his parents, and many beloved friends and family members.  

John enjoyed various hobbies including fast boats, bowling, golf, and weekend evenings at his favorite restaurants with friends. He was a deeply social person who loved conversation, sharing a drink, and making connections. He appreciated looking sharp with dapper hair and a nice jacket. John was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, Michigan for decades where he served extensively in a leadership capacity. 

Friends will be received 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18th, 2024 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.. A service to celebrate John's life will be held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 19th, 2024 with a short fellowship reception to follow.