Bud was born on April 24, 1938 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Harry and Lucille Walton. Bud’s father worked for Stone and Webster building power plants in the 1940’s so the family frequently moved around the country. When it was time for Bud to start school, his family moved to Amherst Virginia and lived in his mother’s family home. After finishing high school Bud went to a small college in Danville, Virginia. He met the love of his life, Wilma Jennings, at an Amherst High School graduation party in June of 1957. While attending college, he enlisted the National Guard Reserve and served 6 years. Bud completed his education in Danville and returned to Amherst. Bud and Wilma married in September 1960 and in December 1961 his daughter Lisa was born. Bud worked for General Electric in Lynchburg, Virginia for 5 years and then the family moved to Somerville, New Jersey for 2 years when he worked for Lockheed Martin. In 1968, Bud took a job as a technical writer for Collins Radio and the family moved to Garland, Texas. Bud was a technical writer for Docutel, Camsco, and Alcatel. He retired from Alcatel in 2001. He became a ham radio operator as a teenager and enjoyed this hobby throughout his life. Bud was an Amateur Extra ham operator and a member of the Garland Amateur Radio club until 2020. In addition to being a ham radio operator, Bud enjoyed nature, hiking in the mountains, traveling with his family, music, and reading.
Bud is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wilma Walton of Richardson, Texas, his daughter Lisa (husband John) Bell, his grandchildren Stephanie Bell and David (wife Serena Chen) Bell, and his sister Patty Ann Turpin. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bud was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church Richardson. A service to honor his life will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.
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