Harold K. Walton, 85, of Whitehall, and formerly of Decatur, Ill., died March 13, 2016, at Fellowship Villa, where he was residing. He was the husband of Mary E. (Gorden) Walton for 62 years.

Born in Decatur, Ill., he was a son of the late Floyd and Mae (Brule) Walton.

He graduated from Niantic-Harristown High School and was the class of 1949 valedictorian.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State Normal University and a master’s degree from Millikin University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He pursued post graduate work at University of Illinois and University of Illinois at Springfield.

He was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era from 1953-55.

He taught in Decatur for 19 years and was an elementary principal for an additional 19 years until he retired in 1991. He was employed by World Book Inc. from 1958–2007.

He was a member of Central Christian Church, Decatur, Ill., where he was an usher and deacon.

He was a life member of the Illinois Principals’ Association, National Education Association and the Illinois Congress of PTA.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Linda E. and her husband Philip Theurer of Mechanicsville, Va. and Diane L. and her husband Kevin Richter of Schnecksville; four sisters, Devonna Snow of Springfield, Ill., Kathleen Wood of Phoenix, Ariz., June Fried of Lincoln, Ill. and Jeanine Shively of Pekin, Ill.; two brothers, Kenneth Walton of Combined Locks, Wisc. and Rodney Walton of Canton, Mo.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two siblings, Donald and Winona.

Contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite E, Springfield, Ill. 62704.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.