Ken attended Saint Louis University, where he received an associate’s degree, and went on to be the owner and operator of Walton’s Restaurant and Catering Services for more than thirty years. He began in Freeburg in 1973. He later moved to Belleville, Edwardsville, and eventually returned to Freeburg. Ken managed the St. Clair County Fairgrounds food service, and from 2009 to present, he ran Walton’s Fish Fry and Walton’s Catering, located at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Old Collinsville Road. He was a past member of the Freeburg Rotary Club, The Freeburg Chamber of Commerce, and was a devoted past member of the Missouri Restaurant Association, having previously served as director. Ken also had skills as a meat cutter, and enjoyed donating chicken each year for the Veterans Day banquet at Freeburg Grade School, where he was presented with their “Special Friend” award. Other awards that Mr. Walton received include the “Appreciation Award” from the Lions Club, and a special thank-you from S.A.V.E. Ken had even been elected to the directory of “Who’s Who”, and was known for bringing Nashville stars and entertainment to the area for years. His greatest passion, however, was spending time with and vacationing with his family, to whom he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Everett T and Mary G, nee Ayers, Walton.
Surviving are his wife and best friend of 56 years, Jeanette, nee Ramsey, Walton, whom he married on March 19, 1960 in Granite City, IL;
his children, Kenneth G. (Toni) Walton of Smithton, IL,
Michelle B. (Joe) Morrison of Freeburg, IL,
Michael D. (Amy) Walton of Fayetteville, IL
and Tami R. (Jim) Walton- Cogdill of Freeburg, IL;
nine grandchildren, Joseph (Sheliah) Morrison, Megan Morrison, Shawn Morrison (special friend, Mackenzie), Sarah (Ryan) Russell, Becky Walton, Jennifer Walton, Christopher Walton, Luke Walton, and Mason Walton;
six great-grandchildren Rylee Morrison, Paisley Morrison, Faith Russell, Sarah Russell, Joshua Russell, and William Russell;
a sister, Jerris Wilson of Saint Louis, MO;
special friends, Joanne and Russell Kern of Freeburg, IL, and Jenny Enlow of Smithton, IL;
three nieces, Karla, Tanya, and Vicki;
and many dear friends.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Reverend Holly Wood for all of her care and concern.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Journey Church, Freeburg, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2016, at Union United Methodist Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2016, at Journey Church, Freeburg, IL with Rev. Holly Wood officiating.
Condolences Left For Kenneth Walton
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ken was very helpful and kind to me when I gave my art classes at the Freeburg restaurant.
Judith Burns-Besse, Belleville, IL, 62226
I feel so empty, I known Ken to be a big part of our life, Me and Vickie got married at Walton’s Resturant in 1983, I know Vickie is taking his loss really hard,as I am to. Ken we will miss seeing you around and there is no man who can compete with you warm smile and loving heart. RIP Ken and we will continue to pray to god for Ken’s family.
Steve Mathis, new athens, IL, 62264
I met Ken in 1973, an instantly felt part of his family. There is a special warm feeling that I had sharing stories with Ken.I’m glad Ken and Jeanette had the cruise together a couple weeks back. It took more than a couple of angels to talk Ken into leaving his family. Fran Ruzicka (former Mayor of the city of Fenton mo.)
Fran Ruzicka, Fenton , mo., 63026
Jeanette and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was an amazing friend. I love you all! Please let me know if you need anything at all. Love, Jan Connell.
Jan Connell, Swansea, Il, 622226
Praying for the family.
Genie White, New Memphis, Il, 62266
Jeanette, Kenny, Michelle, Mike and Tami, my deepest sympathies to you for your loss. Ken was a good man good, he will be missed.
Todd Burns, Rhome , Texas, 76078
Jeanette, Kenny, Michelle, Michael and Tami
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.
Stacey Schimpf (Raymer), Warrenton, Mo, 63383
Dear Jeanette, Michelle and Tami
So sorry for your sudden loss. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who knew him. May God give comfort to you and your family, and may he rest in peace.
Rosemary Becherer, Freeburg, il, 62243
May your entire family find comfort in knowing that they had such a person to love.
Rest in peace my friend.
Dan Seibel
Dan Seibel, Grand Junction, CO, 81504-5204
Thoughts and Prayers will be with your family at this time. Very sorry for your loss.
Chris Etling, Shiloh, Illinois, 62221
My condolences to the family. I knew Kenny (junior) in high school. Ken senior was very well regarded by all who knew him.
Chiyoko Louise Gussin née Miller, Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92240
Jeanette,Michelle,Tami, and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Ken’s passing is a loss for all who knew him. His smiling face will remain in our hearts.
Jim and Fay Brockman, Belleville, IL, 62221-4416
So sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed. Bob & Beverly Hughes
Bob and Beverly Hughes, O’Fallon, IL, 62269
It was always a pleasure doing business with Ken. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Todd Crook (Business Systems), Collinsville, Illinois, 62234
The Walton Family:
I’m so sorry I could not make the funeral but I was thinking about you. Ken was a passionate person, caring and funny. I thought he was a great boss and enjoyed working with him at the track. He will be missed by many but you have one heck of an Angel to look over you now. God Bless and thank you for allowing me to be a part of his life. He made me feel like part of his family and not an employee.
Barb Clossen Sauerhage, Oakdale, IL, 62268
Jeanette and family:
I’m so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a fine man and always a pleasure to be around and work around. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers
Sam Houston, Red Bud, Illinois, 62278