Obituary of Larry M. Walton

Larry Merle Walton, 86, went to be with his Lord on December 24, 2024, in Sebring, FL. Born on May 12, 1938, in Omer, Michigan, he was the son of the late Bertrand “Bert” Merle Walton and Alma LeEtta [Seder] Walton.

Playing music was a constant joy of Larry’s life. His primary instrument was the accordion. As a teenager, he and his brother played local events regularly, including many weddings. They were even asked to perform in the International Music League World Competition at Bowling Green State University in the 50s. As an adult, he shared the love of his instrument with many—teaching lessons to those of all ages. 

“He put Fred Astaire to shame!”  Larry not only performed music; he was extremely, if not equally passionate about dancing to it! His preference was ballroom dancing.

After spending over 30 years at IBM as a senior store systems engineer, Larry retired. He was always an advocate for and embraced the advance of technology, willingly assisting anyone who sought his expertise. In retirement, he devoted even more quality time to those he loved—playing his favorite card games such as hand and foot, euchre, skyjo, joker, blackjack and five crowns and sometimes traveling with family. One special trip to Las Vegas several years back was where many good memories were made. Even though Larry divided his time between Florida and Kentucky, his primary focus in life remained his family. He tenderly doted on his grandkids and his great grandkids, teaching them love and patience.  This soft-spoken good Christian man will be missed by so many.

Larry was the beloved husband and forever dance partner of Julia [Stiverson] Walton; dear dad to Carrie (Steve) List; dear step-dad to Holly (Brian) Kirby and Rob Ferguson; and “poppa” to Joshua (Sarah) Walton, Joseph (Jessica) List, Samuel List, Bruce Reller, Jason Reller, Abbiegail, Phoenix, and Preston Walton. He was a treasured uncle to many nieces and nephews, an adored friend of the Avion Palms Community in Bowling Green, FL and revered former Elder and member of his Nicholson Christian Church Family.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sherry Walton, son Todd Walton, brother Richard “Dick” Walton (Fran) and his parents.

You are invited to come to the visitation which will be held for Larry on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY, 41051. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Directly following this time of visitation there will be a funeral service, also at the funeral home. Following services, Larry will be laid to rest at Gardnersville Cemetery, DeMossville, KY.  Memorial donations can be made in Larry’s honor to Nicholson Christian Church, 1970 Walton Nicholson Rd, Independence, KY 41051 either in person at services or online.

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