James Wesley "Wes" Walton

James Wesley “Wes” Walton, 87, of Carthage, passed away at 8:35 AM Saturday, June 4, 2022, at his home.

Wes was born July 8, 1934, the son of James Frederick and Irene (Fosdyck) Walton in Augusta, Illinois.  He attended Augusta Community High School graduating in 1952.  He was united in marriage to Doris Leora Mulch on August 30, 1968, at the First Baptist Church in Carthage.  Wes had worked for Desert Star Printing in Desert Hot Springs, California and then operated Journal Printing in Carthage for 25 years and also worked for Biddy’s Press.  Wes enjoyed golf and bowling and bowled two 300 games.  He enjoyed baseball games and especially the St. Louis Cardinals.  He loved music and was lead guitar for the “Four Hits” band for many years.  He was a member of the First Christian Church (DOC).

Wes is survived by his wife, Doris Walton, of Carthage; children, Craig James (Jerri) Walton of Heber Springs, Arkansas, Claris Ann (Randy) Biddenstadt of Carthage and Michael Rich (Jason) Novak-Walton of Keokuk; daughter-in-law, Kay Smith of Hoffman Estates; grandchildren, Terah (Casey) Fletcher, Tyshia Walton, James Daniel Walton, Ryan Dale Biddenstadt, Megan Ann (Jason) Lamporte and Alexis Paige (Evan) Foster; great grandchildren, Aiden Walton, Cullen Walton, Gracie Brewer-Walton, Justice Grice, Alysa Grice, J.C. Tompsett, Tyler Fletcher, Quinton Foster, Dallas Lamporte, KayLynn Bucy and baby Lamporte on the way; one sister, Wilma (Don) Markley of California.

He was preceded by his parents; son, Greg Smith; a daughter, Pam Midlane; and siblings, Robert and Thomas Walton, Ellen Cassel, Betty Green and Charles “Sci” Walton.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at the First Christian Church (DOC) in Carthage at 11:00 AM with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with family meeting friends from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church (DOC) in Carthage or Lee County Hospice.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of the arrangements.

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