Thomas Leroy Walton

Thomas Walton, of Quitman, passed away Sunday evening, December 5, 2021, at the age of 75.

Thomas Leroy Walton, better known as Tom, was born in Henderson, Kentucky on July 28, 1946, to the late James Richard Walton Sr. and Mary Jo Knott Walton. Tom grew up in Kentucky and often told his family stories about the family homeplace flooding every time it rained and having to take a boat to and from school. He met the love of his life, Sandra Ware, when he was 13 years old. They were at a church event having a watermelon seed spitting contest. They had hot dogs afterwards and it was love at first sight. On Valentine’s Day in 1975, Tom and Sandra tied the knot.

Tom worked as a truck driver for many years. He started with Rider Truck Leasing in 1970 and later retired and worked for Leather Center. Sandra eventually decided to get her CDL and do team driving with Tom. They were able to see the world together.
Tom lived in South Padre before moving to Quitman to be closer to family. He was also a member of Woody Road Church of God in Seagoville, TX and a 32nd Degree Mason.

He is reunited with his parents, James and Mary Walton; two sisters, five brothers, and two grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 46 years, Sandra Kay Walton; five children, Eugene Walton, Tony Walton and wife Joye, Glenn Hume and wife Shannon, Honey Counts and husband Darrell, and Sammy Walton; 9 grandchildren, Melissa, Peyton, Alyssa, Hannah, Chelsea, Katy, Christopher, Nicholas, and Hayley; many great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Memorial service for Tom is scheduled for 2:00 PM Friday, December 10, 2021, at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations with Rev. Jeff Ridgle officiating.