Donald L. Walton Obituary

Donald L. Walton, a beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, at age 86, surrounded by his loving family. Donald Lee Walton was born on August 10, 1938 in Wilkes Barre, PA to his parents Spencer B. Walton and Blanche L. Walton (nee Divine). Donald's life was defined by his kindness, integrity, sharp business sense, and deep devotion to his family and community.

Donald grew up in Salem, NJ and graduated from Salem High School in 1956. After working at Patrick's Flower Shop in Salem, he attended Wilkes College – Wilkes-Barre, PA and earned a degree in Retail and Finance. In 1960, he married his beloved sweetheart, Janice Walton (nee Kurman), beginning what turned out to be a lifelong journey with the love of his life.

Don's entrepreneurial spirit brought them back to Salem County in 1962 to open their own business: Walton's Flower Shop in Pennsville, NJ. The shop became a local favorite known for its festive holiday specials and signature flower cart, which offered fresh flower bunches around the clock. For over four decades, they worked, lived, and raised kids - side by side 24/7 in the flower shop - a feat few could accomplish! They brought beauty, color, joy, and comfort to the community until their retirement in April 2005.

His dedication to the community extended beyond his business. Donald was actively involved in and held offices with Pennsville Chamber of Commerce, served for many years on Pennsville Township Board of Education, was a founding member and supporter of the Pennsville Township Historical Society, and participated in various floral industry associations. During his retirement, he also participated on the HOA board of his community, Rose Hill at Lexington Farms, in Bear, DE until his health no longer allowed him to continue. Don cherished time with his family and enjoyed swimming, fishing, watching science fiction shows, traveling, and hosting/joining gatherings with family and friends.

Donald is survived by his cherished wife, Janice Walton of Bear, DE, daughter Marcia Walton of Bear, DE, Donald Keith Walton and wife Robin Muench of Pedricktown, NJ, Heather German (nee Walton) and husband James (Jim) of Landenberg, PA, and son Christopher J. Walton of Bear, DE. Don loved being grandfather to John "Jake" Zebley and Ryan Walton and stand-in grandfather to Sarah Litvin, Joshua Hogate, Lissie Hogate. He was also an honorary grandfather to Ashley German Hecker, Danielle German Held, and Jonathan German. He is also survived by many dear relatives and friends. Being an only child, Donald was predeceased in death by his parents, numerous relatives, and Jim's son Alex German.

The family of Donald Walton wishes to offer their heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the staff of the Medical ICU team at Christiana Hospital, the hospice team of AccentCare at Christiana Hospital, and Comfort Keepers- Wilmington, in New Castle, DE for the loving and compassionate care they provided to both Donald and his family.

Friends and family may call at LAUGHREY FUNERAL HOME, 1 North Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070, Friday, May 9th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 10th starting one hour prior to a brief celebration of life service scheduled for 10 a.m. The family will hold a graveside interment at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14th at Lawnside Cemetery, 1017 Route 40, Woodstown, NJ 08098.