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 lettermans 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 Toms 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