Harold K. Walton, 85, of Whitehall, formerly of Decatur, Ill., died on March 13, 2016, in Fellowship Villa where he was residing.

He and his wife Mary E. (Gorden) Walton were married 62 years last June 14.

Born Jan. 15, 1931, in Decatur, he was the son of the late Floyd and Mae (Brule) Walton.

Valedictorian of the class of 1949 at Niantic-Harristown High School, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State Normal University in 1953, and began his teaching career in Decatur.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era from 1953-55.

He earned his Master’s degree from Millikin University in 1958, graduating summa cum laude.

His post-graduate work was done at the University of Illinois and the University of Illinois at Springfield.

He taught in Decatur for 19 years and was an elementary principal for an additional 19 years before retiring in 1991.

Employed by World Book Inc. from 1958-2007, he held life memberships in the Illinois Principals’ Association, National Education Association, and the Illinois Congress of PTA.

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

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

He was predeceased by siblings Donald and Winona.

Expressions of sympathy may be recorded at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Drive, Suite E, Springfield, IL 62704.

Local arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville.