Walton, Thomas O.
Obituary
Thomas Owen Walton, 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 3, 2017 surrounded by loved ones. Visitation – 6-8 pm. Thursday, August 3 at CrossPoint Church of Christ, 3020 Bardin Road, Grand Prairie, Texas. Memorial/Celebration of Life – 2 pm. Friday, August 4, 2017 at CrossPoint, Ministering the service will be Tim Hall. Thomas was born April 17, 1941 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. His family moved to Madill, Oklahoma where Tom went on to become a star athlete and scholar, graduating from Madill High School in 1959. Tom attended The University of Oklahoma, enjoyed a successful baseball career, earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education, and married the love of his life Patricia. Tom was so proud of his years at OU. He was never seen without his crimson and gold letterman’s ring! After college, Tom devoted his life and talents to a nearly 40 year career in teaching and coaching in which he made a tremendous impact on many young lives both inside and outside of the classroom. Tom experienced many highs and lows in his coaching career, but one particularly sweet high was winning the 1972 State 3A Championship in baseball with the Ardmore Tigers. He later enjoyed many football playoff wins with the Grand Prairie Gophers as well. Tom was a man of quiet confidence, humility, humor, fearlessness, honesty, honor, and faith. Tom was devoted to his wife and daughters, his five grandchildren, his sister and brothers, his church family, and was known as a loyal and trusted friend. Tom enjoyed many hobbies and projects after retirement, and especially loved the camaraderie and friendships formed through his Ford V-8 Club membership and while working for the Texas Rangers every summer. A special quote kept at his desk and viewed every day sums up the very essence of Thomas Owen Walton: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left, and could say, I USED EVERYTHING YOU GAVE ME.” Tom accomplished that and more in a life well-lived. Tom will be sorely missed. Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia; daughters, Dana Fore and husband Troy, Keri Gilbreath and husband Chris; grandchildren, Troy III and India Fore, Gunnar, Boone, and Tripp Gilbreath; sister, Jeanne Sloan and husband Doug; brothers, Bill and Jim Walton; sisters-in-law, Joyce Zorba, Vicki Crowston and husband Ed; nieces, Jill Dighton, Courtney Wilkinson, Allison Crowston, Becky Ballinger, Janet Warren, and Holly Cooney; nephews, Chad Zorba, Doug Sloan, Jr. and Jeff Walton; and many lifelong and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom’s name to CrossPoint Church of Christ Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site. Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 1820 N. Belt Line Road Irving, Texas 75061 972-607-4400
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Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My condolences go out to the Walton Family. Coach Walton was one of my coaches from my memorable senior year on the Grand Prairie High Gopher football team. Additionally, he also taught my son at Adams Middle School.
He and his family are in our prayers.
Brunswick O. Morton
Grand Prairie High Class of 1976
Tommy was one of a kind and a dear, dear friend. I will miss him and all hes wonderful detailed stories of our childhood. My deepest sympathy to Pat and all the Walton family.
RIP coach Walton remembered but not forgotten …prayers to the families.
My most sincere condolences to the Walton family. Coach Walton was not only an amazing coach and teacher, but a genuine caring man. I was so grateful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Condolences to the Walton family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Pat, you and the girls all know how much I loved Tom and how much he meant to us. I can still hear him say he had to get home and didn’t have time to come by after church, but we always managed to visit until midnight.
My deepest sympathy
Our deepest and sincere condolences go out to the Walton family. It was a honor and blessing to have known Coach Walton. My dad loved and respected him so much and shared many great stories about their years coaching together. Coach Walton touched so many lives! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.