William E. Walton was born in Du Ouoin, Illinois on September 17, 1942 to Joe and Samella Mason. He was a long time resident of Lompoc, who passed away on July 5, 2014 after a lengthy illness. He was very athletic, participating and excelling at many sports: baseball, track & field, basketball, football, cycling and golf, but he got his nickname "Speed" because he was a fast runner. After high school, Speed enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Vietnam and was later stationed at Point Arguello (now South Vandenberg AFB). He was married to Linda Vistante and had 2 children, Dina and Danny Walton. He worked for many years locally at Grefco and Celite. Speed was involved with many local organizations: adult softball, Steelworkers Union, Moose, Elks, the American Legion, many youth sports as a coach/umpire/referee, and especially the Lompoc Valley Flower Festival where he served as Parade Float Chairman for many years. Speed was a very special man with many longtime friends. He was a loyal friend and always willing to lend a hand to anyone without hesitation. If you needed his help, all you had to do was ask. He will be missed by his many friends and family.

Funeral services will be graveside at Lompoc Cemetery on Wednesday, July 16th at 10am. A potluck celebration of Speed's life will follow at his favorite hangout, the Whistle Stop at 805 W. Laurel Ave. in Lompoc. So bring a dish and come share some memories with family and friends.

Speed is survived by his daughter, Dina Walton; his sister, Alyce Faye Walton; his brothers, Donald Mason and Clarence Walton; granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Danny Walton; his brothers Bobby Joe Mason, Garland Walton and George Walton.

A memorial fund has been set up at Rabobank to help defray burial and medical expenses. If you would like to make a donation, account information is Dina Walton fbo Speed Walton, Account #398127736.