Riley Walton

(From Parker Mortuary)

Riley Clay Walton Jr., age 79, of Joplin, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, at his home.

Riley, son of the late Riley Clay and Christine (Johnson) Walton Sr., was born on October 7, 1943, in Lexington, KY. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving his country honorably from 1962-1967 as a weapons instructor in Parris Island, SC. During his time in the Marines, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Freeman. Together they were united in marriage on September 10, 1966, in Joplin, she survives.

 

After returning home from the military, Riley furthered his education beginning with MIT in Springfield earning his diploma in drafting. He then attended Missouri Southern State University attaining his associate degree in drafting and design. Riley was an EB Welding Supervisor for Eagle Picher for forty-three years until his retirement on March 1, 2011. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Joplin where he was a Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He was also a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed coaching and umpiring girls’ softball, boys’ baseball, RC Remote Planes, hunting, fishing, and boating all with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Walton, of Joplin; his children, Deidre Hartmann, and her husband, Dennis, of Jackson, and Clinton Walton, of Carl Junction; grandchildren, Nathan Hartmann, Matthew Hartmann, and John Hartmann, all of Jackson, and Saige Walton, and Caidyn Walton, both of Carl Junction; siblings, Novara Walton, of Lexington, KY, and Danny Walton, and his wife, Gracelyn, of Palos Hills, IL; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Riley was preceded in death by siblings, Gail Hornsby, Jackie Walton, and Stephen Walton; and one granddaughter, Natalie Hartmann.

 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin with burial to follow at Osborne Cemetery in Joplin with full Military Honors. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, July 26th beginning at 10:00 AM at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Riley to Disabled American Veterans and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.