Eileen Walton's Obituary
Decatur-Eileen Drexler Walton passed away Sunday, October 23, 2011, at Northwest Community Hospital, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 56 years, former Mayor of Decatur Elmer Walton, who passed away in February 1995.
Services to celebrate Eileen's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church in Decatur, with Dr. Jim Montgomery officiating. Private family interment will be held at Fairlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Home, 800 W. Oakton St, Arlington Heights, Il, 60004-4602.
Eileen was born July 18, 1918, in Peoria to Louis and Marie (Smith) Drexler. She grew up in Morton, won the state spelling championship in 1932, and represented Illinois at the national contest in Washington, DC. She married Elmer in 1938, and lived in Morton where she worked as a librarian and telephone switchboard operator until 1954 when the family moved to Decatur. Eileen worked in the business office at Millikin University from 1958 until her retirement in 1983.
Eileen volunteered at DMH Hospital Auxiliary for over 30 years and was Auxiliary President for two years. While serving on the Auxiliary Board she was instrumental in creating and founding the Candy Stripe Volunteer program. She belonged to First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, serving as a Deacon and an active volunteer. She was an avid bridge player belonging to several bridge clubs in Decatur, an enthusiastic gardener, and spent many afternoons and evenings in Busch Stadium with Elmer cheering for her beloved Cardinals.
She is survived by her son Michael Walton and wife Linda (Carlson) Walton of Deerfield, IL, daughter Patricia (Walton) Silver and husband David of Sag Harbor, NY, and three grandchildren.
The family of Eileen Walton is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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