Kenneth Ray Walston

Kenneth Ray Walston, age 92, a resident of Albuquerque, died Sunday, April 19, 2020 at the La Vida Llena nursing facility. Mr. Walston was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jo-Anne, and his eldest son, Kenneth Ray Walston Jr.

Mr. Walston entered the world on Tuesday, January 31, 1928, in Noble, IL, the second of six children born to James Russell and Dorothy Alice Walston. He enlisted in the Army serving in the Army Chemical Corp during the Korean War. Mr. Walston went on to attend the University of Illinois, graduating cum laude, with a degree in chemical engineering. He spent the bulk of his career working for Exxon Mobil as a corrosion specialist. Mr. Walston traveled to most of the oil-rich countries of the world and was assigned to posts in The Netherlands, Great Britain, and Aruba. He wrote several books on corrosion and was a popular speaker on the subject, even testifying as a subject matter expert during the Exxon Valdez trial.  Mr. Walston enjoyed frequent and extensive travel throughout his life and long after he retired, had an avid interest in politics, enjoyed fishing, and loved basketball. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. Mr. Walston was a soft-spoken, dignified man, a true gentleman in every sense. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by daughter, Angela Danessi of Denver, CO; sons, John Walston and partner Sierra James of Albuquerque, NM, Brad Walston and husband Joe Walston-Zepeda of Mexico; grandson, Xavier Koenig of Washington, MO; and daughter-in-law, Koren Walston of Albuquerque, NM. A private interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Humane Association.