Dad died on February 2nd, 2013 in Santa Barbara CA, after a lengthy illness. Don was born on May 26th, 1935 in Blythe CA, to Virginia Bernice Phillips and Hugh Walter Walton. Don grew up in Blythe and graduated from Blythe High School in 1952. Don often spoke of riding his horse “Boy” a wild Mustang to school, and even taking a shotgun to hunt with on his way home.
Don came to Santa Barbara in the summer of 1955 to work on a construction job. He met the love of his life, “Mary Alice (Bisol) Walton”, in August of 1955 and after brief courtship of dining, dancing, movies and roller skating, they were married on November 2nd, 1955. The young couple settled in Carpinteria buying their first and only home in 1958.
Don was known as a master of his trade as a “Land Surveyor”. His career he started with Penfield and Smith, then he worked for Hugh Simpson and later for Joe Water’s surveying where he retired from. You couldn’t go anywhere in Santa Barbara County and beyond that Don wouldn’t say “Hugh and I surveyed that” or “Joe and I surveyed that”. This included the Santa Barbara Zoo’s original construction. This led to a 10 year family pass to the zoo that the Walton’s enjoyed dearly. Among Don’s many hobbies were his love for music, playing his guitar and singing for his family, friends and dogs. He loved to camp, hike, kayak and the beach. In 1985 Don climbed Mount Whitney with his son Thomas and his Brother-in-law Lewis Venegas. In 1997 Don kayaked a 100 mile section of the “Green River” with his son Thomas and Grandson Thomas Jr. Don also loved his dogs, Gidget, Albert Sue, Duke, Molly, Max and Jackie.
Don is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Alice (Bisol) Walton, his children, Deborah Walton McIntyre (Larry), Thomas Walton (Cheryl), Steven Walton (Michele deceased), Grandchildren Christine, Michael, Dale, Thomas Jr., Mick and Great Grandchildren Jacob and Dylan. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and brothers Hugh Walton and Vern Walton. He will be missed, by his many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Services are being handled by Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels; Services will be Saturday February 16th at 1:00 PM. at the Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito Rd., Carpinteria, CA 93013 with a reception to follow.
