Walter Anthony Thon

Walter was born in Blair County, Pennsylvania on Nov. 23, 1928 to John and Catherine Thon. He had three brothers: John, Eugene and William. A graduate of Madera High School, he loved sports, band, and was known for his grand sense of humor, which he carried on throughout his life.

After a brief time in the Pennsylvania coal mines, Walter joined the Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was stationed on the oiler "Chukawan." While stationed in Tidewater Virginia and escorting tours of his ship, he met the love of his life, Nita Miller. Their 56-year marriage began Sept. 8, 1951 and they had three children: Gary, Terry and Jon.

After the Navy, Walter worked as a Policeman for Warwick County. When the Amoco Oil Refinery opened up in York County, Walter left the police force to become a welder and operator for Amoco. Though the work was hard, he endured and forged, and enjoyed many good friendships at the refinery. He retired from BP Amoco after 33 years.

During his lifetime, Walter enjoyed many activities. He was always ready to help with fish fries, fundraisers and anything that involved being with family, friends and co-workers.

Walter enjoyed playing the trumpet in the Drum and Bugle Corp "The Virginia Gentlemen" and was active in the American Legion, Elks and the Ruritans. Though he enjoyed bowling and fishing, his true sports love was golf. For years he played a round whenever he could, his crowning golf achievement was a hole-in-one at the Newport News Golf Club, hole 16 on 3-21-1995. In his retirement, Walter worked at many local courses including Ford's Colony and Kiskiack. He also loved sitting on the front porch - keeping an eye on the neighborhood and throwing peanuts to the blue jays.

During their later years, Walter and Nita also enjoyed travel, sometimes with friends or family to lots of fun and different places. However, their very favorite thing was to hit the casinos and play the slots. They hit the jackpot a few times. Always up for casino time, Walter played the slots until the last.

Above all else, Walter was a good and loving father. His joy was family dinners and holidays where he could be surrounded by his family. He was so proud of his children and their families; he derived real happiness from them.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Terry and son, Jon; daughters-in-law, Reene Thon and Nikki Thon; grandchildren, Casey Yarbrough (Rich), Courtney Richardson (Mike), Travis Thon (Ashley), Heather and Kristina Thon; great-grandchildren Alec, Eric, Grace and Izzy Yarbrough, Luke, Anna and Ryan Richardson, Scarlett and Stella Thon, and Dorian Vogt (Thon). He will also be missed by his dear kitty, Bunny Fox.

The Family will celebrate Walter's life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local animal shelter.