John Robert Walton was born October 24, 1918 to Verne C. and Dorotha F. (Kendall) Walton in Hendricks County.

He graduated from North Salem High School and afterward worked as a brick and stone mason.

He was the Muncie Chess Champion in 1941.

He served in the Army Corps of Engineers in the South Pacific 1942-1945.

He married Emma L. DeBra of Danville on October 26, 1946 in a double wedding.

He graduated from Ball State Teachers College in 1955 and later earned a Masters degree from Butler University. He taught math and science for 27 years at various schools, primarily at Northview Jr. High in Washington Township of Marion County, where he was also the chess club sponsor. He retired in 1981.

He and his wife moved to Greencastle from Fishers in 1986.

He was an avid gardner, a lifetime member of the VFW Post #3284 in Roachdale, a member of the Masonic Lodge #142 in North Salem and a lifetime member of the Scottish Rite. He sang in the Scottish Rite chorus for 20 years.

He is survived by his beloved wife and five children: Colinette (C.D.) Peterman, John Walton II (Judith), Charles Walton (Shana), Evelyn Lees (Norman), and Rev. Richard Walton (Patricia); 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Verne Walton, Jr. of North Salem and Charles Walton of Greenfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother William Walton and sisters Joan McClain and Colinette Richardson.

Friends will be received Wednesday, January 7, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home, North Salem, Indiana with Masonic service at 1:30 p.m.

Services will be held at Porter Funeral Home, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Richard Walton officiating.

Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, North Salem, IN.

Online condolences may be made at www.robertporterfuneralhome.com