E. J. Walton

On Sunday, May 28, 2023, E.J. "Jay" Walton loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather entered into Heaven joining his loving Lord Jesus Christ and his family after a long illness at the age of 84.

Jay was born on January 5, 1939, near Hermleigh, TX to Jacob and Ader (Spradling) Walton, where he joined their blended family and was soon joined by his brother, Elmer Don and sister, Jeneva. Out of 19 children in that blended family, he is survived by only his brother, David Lewis of Kansas City and two sisters-in-law, Mary Walton of Hallsville, TX and Geri Walton of Duncan, OK.

Jay worked in the auto industry for over five decades starting at Standard Oil Company which led him to own and operate service stations in Albuquerque and then start Jay Walton's Automotive on Central Avenue until his retirement. On Saturday mornings Jay answered questions about people's car problems on KOB radio Auto Talk and he was honored for his accomplishments as a small businessperson including an opportunity to meet with President Bush to discuss the issues facing small businesses. Jay was a good citizen giving back to his community and was dedicated to his church and all the organizations he belonged to over the years, including Jaycees and Rotary.

On July 20, 1983, Jay married Marlene who he lovingly referred to as "the best woman in the world." During their almost 40-year marriage, their blended family of their five kids and his stepdaughter, Wendi grew to welcome six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Jay will be dearly missed by his family, friends and those lives he touched through his kind and giving heart.

Jay never distinguished between half, step or former relatives and embraced all as his family.
Jay's loving family will miss him dearly and will carry their love for him in their hearts and memories: his wife, Marlene (Hardin) Walton; son, Dean and his wife Barbara and daughter, Samantha living in Doha, Qatar; daughter, Sharon and her husband Mike Gillespie and their sons, Michael and Drew; their son and daughter-in-law Mark and Carla Evans; their son and daughter-in-law Matt and Bridget Evans and their son Jon and his wife Chelsea and their children, Eli and Harley; their son, Chris and his wife Danielle and their daughter, Sofia; and their daughter and son-in-law Michelle and John Thompson, their son, Jeremy and his wife Elyse and their children, Emma and Owen as well as the many nieces and nephews throughout the country and those who considered him a brother, father or beloved family member.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at Covenant United Methodist Church, 8510 Wyoming Blvd NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico.