Martha Gene Walton

Martha Gene Walton, formerly of Thornton, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2020 in Breckenridge, TX, at age 76.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at Old Union Cemetery, with Brother Clif Fox of the Groesbeck Church of Christ officiating.

Martha was born May 10, 1944 to Othal Lee Lane and Christine Elizabeth Couch Lane at Kaufman, one of thirteen children.    She grew up in Kaufman and later in Mesquite where the family moved when she was a young teen.

Martha worked many years at Mrs. Baird’s Bakery in Dallas and it was there she met Joe Glenn Walton, and they were united in marriage.  They continued to live in Dallas until moving to Thornton in 1977.

Martha worked at the Groesbeck sewing factory until it closed.  She then worked at the Mexia State School until retiring after ten years.  After working with Mrs. Garrett, a local doll maker, Martha used her sewing and artistic skills in making many large fabric dolls with beautiful details in the faces and clothes and yarn hair, which she sold at craft stores and to collectors.  Martha was willing to work hard, and took on the hottest work possible - mowing yards for the public.  At one time she took care of twenty-two yards and four cemeteries, with only occasional help from family.    The Old Union Cemetery was one that she took care of, and when she had help, with four persons working, it took eight hours to finish.  

Martha was a member of the Church of Christ and attended church in Groesbeck when she could.

Martha was a sweet and loving mother and grandmother, and she cared deeply about each one of the many grand and great-grandchildren, even the ones she was not able to see or be with.  She had moved to Breckenridge six years ago to be near her daughter Roberta. 

Martha was preceded in death by her parents and five of her siblings, and her husband Joe Glenn Walton.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Roberta and Bobby Thurman of Breckenridge; son and daughter-in-law, Benjamin (Ben) and Mary Kerr of Jefferson; daughter, Cathy Walton Newton of Mexia; Michael Walton and Russell Walton of Garland; grandchildren: Rachael Fulgham, Charlie Fulgham, Otis Fulgham, Tommy Kerr, Fallon Kerr, Brandie Kerr,Kori Vest, Chrissy McKinnon, and Jay McKinnon; and many great and great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by 5 sisters: Carrie, Cecelia, Helen, Debra, and Patricia, and brothers, Waymon and Michael, and also by nieces and nephews whom she loved.