Franklin Walton, Jr

Biography

Franklin Edward Walton Jr. passed away quietly in his home on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at the age of 96. Franklin was born January 16, 1916 in Centerville, Utah to Franklin Edward and Amelia Ford Porter Walton. He attended school at Centerville Elementary, Bountiful Junior High and graduated from Davis High School in 1934. He continued his education at the University of Utah while working at the family business, Porter Walton Company where he worked his way up to the office of Secretary/Treasurer. He was a lifelong Ute fan. He met and fell in love with Edna May Little, of Morgan, and after four years of courting they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on January 15, 1941. Soon after being married, Franklin was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corp where he served for four years. Soon after his return home, he and Edna May built their beautiful dream home in Centerville where they raised their family and reside to this day.
Franklin was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many church leadership positions. He served on the Davis Stake High Council and was then called to be the Bishop of the Centerville Third Ward from 1958-1960. When the ward was divided in 1960, Franklin became Bishop of the First ward until 1965. He served as a Centerville City Councilman, as Chairman of the Centerville City Planning and Zoning Committe, as president and Director of the National Association of Creditmen Intermountain, and as a Charter member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers where he served as Treasurer for eight years while the chapter was gathering funds for the erection of the Pioneer Monument in Founders Park. That was a proud moment for him when that statue was unveiled. Franklin truly valued his pioneer heritage.
After Franklin retired from Porter Walton in 1981, he enjoyed golfing (especially with his brother Dwight), doing sealings in the Salt Lake Temple, working in his yard and playing with his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with his wife around the country, but was always happiest at home surrounded by his family. He was the host of many family parties in his beautifully landscaped back yard.
Although he held many civic and church leadership positions, his favorite position he held were Father, Grandpa, and Grandpa Great. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Edna May Walton of Centerville, Utah his daughter Lauri Wootton of Centerville, Utah and his son Greg (Jennifer) Walton of Palm Coast, Florida; Six grandchildren Shelice (Gary) Murphy, Sarah Baldwin, Emily (Josh) Carmack, Dustin (Emily) Walton, Cassie (Nick) Vultaggio, and Nicholas Walton;
Fifteen Great Grandchildren; and brother Dwight F. Walton of Salt Lake City, Utah and sister in law Carol Walton of Santa Monica, California. He was preceded in death by sister Beth, brother Richard, and great grandson Nathan.
A viewing will be held Thursday, August 23,2012 from 6-8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 No. Main, Bountiful Utah. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 24, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Centerville First Ward Chapel, 160 South 300 East, with a viewing one hour prior. He will be laid to rest in the Centerville City Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.
The family would like to express their love to the Utah Hospice workers who cared for our sweet dad and grandpa the last few months… you know who you are!
Dad and Grandpa, we are grateful for the life you led and the example you were to us. We love you.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.

Funeral Service

Friday August 24, 2012, 11:00 at Centerville 1st Ward
Click for Map and Directions

A viewing will be held Thursday, August 23,2012 from 6-8 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 No. Main, Bountiful Utah. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 24, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Centerville First Ward Chapel, 160 South 300 East, with a viewing one hour prior. He will be laid to rest in the Centerville City Cemetery.