Michael Lynn Walton, born July 25, 1946, aged 79 years, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, with loved ones by his side in Cape Coral, Florida.
Born as the second of three sons to George and Kathleen Walton in Greencastle, IN, he was preceded in death by them and his older brother Don. Mike is survived by his wife MaryAnn of 39 years, his brother Dave (Pam) Walton, Sister-in-law Micalene, sons Marc (Michele) Flood, Chad (Denise) Walton, Brad Walton and 8 grandchildren. He graduated from Belle Union High School and attended and held several degrees from Milligan College, Indiana State University, DePaul University, and Ball State University. He was a college athlete at Milligan College where he played catcher for the baseball team.
A stone mason, farmer and educator, he began his teaching career at the Indiana State Farm. His teaching career included time at Monrovia before he moved to Richmond in 1976 and became the Building Trades teacher for Richmond Community Schools. In 1991 he became the Vocational Director and Assistant Principal at RCS. In 2001, he returned to his roots and became the Career Director at Area 30 Career Center in Greencastle, IN where he served until retirement in 2008. He was a major advocate for organ donation as he was a recipient of a kidney transplant in 2007 which gave him a new lease on life.
Mike was a long time member of the Elks Lodge, Indiana Football Hall of Fame, American Legion, Retired Teachers Association and First Presbyterian Church. He was a huge sports fan and was an original season ticket holder for the Indianapolis Colts, an avid golfer and a huge Los Angeles Dodgers fan. Those that knew Michael were sure to hear of his time in the classroom, former students and their successes, and his grandchildren as he was so proud of all they have accomplished.
Upon retirement in 2008, Mike and MaryAnn began traveling to North Ft. Myers, Florida in the winter months finding a home in Swan Lake Village. They sold their home in Richmond this past year and became permanent residents of Florida in June.
There will be a celebration of life held at Generations Sports Bar in Richmond, IN on November 28th from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations or gifts to be made to Indiana University Medical Organ Donation Program or Richmond Building Trades Program at RCS.