William Eugene Walton

William Eugene Walton, 88, of Beaumont, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was born on February 16, 1937, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Clydee Davis Walton and John Robertson Walton.

Eugene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who found his greatest joy in time spent with family.  He is survived by his daughter, Wanda Van Dorn; grandchildren, Marcus Walton and his wife, Cynthia Mendez; William Andrew Walton and his wife, Kristine Pangilinan; Amanda Martinez and her husband, Alex; Calvin Van Dorn and his wife, Rachel; Nicholas Van Dorn and his wife, Holly; and Gwyneth Brown; as well as great-grandchildren, Amélie Mendez Walton, Willfred Walton, Rylee Van Dorn, Olivia Van Dorn, Diana Martinez, and Demetri Martinez. He is also survived  by his daughter-in-law, JoAnn Walton Graham; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Iva Nell and Gilmer Phillips; sister-in-law, Lorene Lewis; best friend, Mary Jo McKinney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong  friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Rosa Mae Long Walton; parents, Clydee and John Walton; son, William Mark Walton; brother-in-law, Reverend Austin Lewis; and his best friend and college roommate, A.L. McKinney.

A proud graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Eugene dedicated his career to Lamar University, where he served in various roles before retiring.  He had a gift for making people smile and never missed an opportunity to share a joke.  He loved playing dominoes with his grandchildren, working through crossword puzzles with his wife, and indulging his lifelong passion for trains.  Whether he was reading his Bible or the Sunday comics, one thing was certain – he always had a cup of coffee in hand, whether it was piping hot or ice cold.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends are invited to a gathering at 10:00 a.m., with his funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 17, 2025, at The Apostolic Church, 3333 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Huffines Cemetery, Highway 251, Huffines, Texas.