LeRoy “Lee” C. Walton, age 79, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023.

 

He was born on February 27, 1944, in Muskegon to Charles H. & Gladys M. (Bailey) Walton.

 

Lee worked in law enforcement while he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1967.  He worked mainly in the automotive business and he managed an auto center for several years before starting his own which he operated for many years in the Hesperia area before selling in 1986.    He was also a hobby farmer raising beef cattle and crop farming from 1986 before going full time dairy farming.  He also drove school bus for Hesperia Community Schools.  In 1993, he sold the dairy business and drove school bus full time until his retirement in 2006.

 

He was a life member of the Hesperia American Legion where he held many offices including Commander from 2002-2005.  A life member of the Baldwin AMVETS and the Newaygo VFW.  Also, member of the White Clou Eagles, Fremont Moose Club and attended the White Cloud Methodist Church.

 

Lee enjoyed wood working, yard work, camping, fishing, road trips, golf and may other activities.

 

Survivors include his wife, Deanna Machiele and family; brother, Glenn Ray Walton of Hesperia; son, Thomas Vacca of Grand Rapids, MN; and many cousins and friends.

 

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, 2950 Monroe Avenue NE, Grand Rapids.  Burial and military honors will take follow.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Lee’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.