Terry Robert Walton, of Farmington, entered eternal rest on August 3, 2024, at Parkland Health Center at the age of 77, of long-standing heart-related problems, surrounded by family.
Terry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Candide “Candy”( Fields) Walton, his son, Chad Robert (Jennifer) Walton of Orchard Farm, his grandchildren, Olivia Walton, Ava Katke, and Oliver Kurtz, his great granddaughter, Eliana Stein, his siblings, Linda Nickelson of Potosi, Brenda Lou “Lulu” (Jim) Daugherty of Potosi, and Tim (Kim) Walton of Potosi, his sister-in-law, Connie Walton of Ft. Myers, FL, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Vivian Walton, his brothers, Dan Walton and John Walton, and his nephews, Bryan Walton and Michael Walton.
Terry proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army. He earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education at Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau. His first teaching position was as a Physical Education teacher and basketball coach at St. Joseph’s High School, Farmington. Later he became principal of various elementary schools in Farmington School District and assistant principal and athletic director of Farmington High School.
Over the course of a lifetime, Terry was an avid sportsman, as a coach and as a participant and spectator, including attending the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay in 2001.
After his retirement in 2001, Terry greatly enjoyed immersing himself in another lifelong sport, fishing. He became known for sharing his catch over the years with family and friends, frying it himself at innumerable fish fries at his home. During his retirement years, he also took up the hobby of buying and selling collectibles in Farmington.
Terry was a member of the Elks Lodge #1765 of Farmington and of Belgrade United Methodist Church.
Terry’s life was characterized by a well-known, and unique, unfailing sense of humor, his absolute devotion to family and friends, and public service to generations of Farmington students. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Visitation will resume on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 8 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m. in the Cozean chapel officiated by Allan Wilkerson. Interment to follow with full military honors at Caledonia Methodist Cemetery. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Farmington Elks Lodge #1765. View the video tribute and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
