Rev. Walton Johnson went Home to his Lord on Sat., Sept. 29, 2012. He lived a full and generous life. He always wore a welcoming smile and had no guile.

He was born Sept. 2, 1919 in Wells, Mich. and spent most of his boyhood in Superior. He was a World War II Army veteran.

Walton received his Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary in 1949 and began his ministry in the Baptist General Conference (now Converge) serving as pastor of churches in Spring Vale, Minn., Falun, Wis., Marshfield, Wis., Pleasant Valley, Iowa, Hayward, Wis. and Mason City, Iowa. He "retired" in 1983, and relocated to Superior and continued to serve as interim pastor of 14 different churches over the next 20 years, including 2 years as Visitation Pastor in his home church, Bayside Baptist (formerly Ogden Ave. Baptist).

Pastor Walton loved hunting, fishing and the Packers, but most in his heart was the love he had for his family and Jesus.

He is survived by his wife, Marit and her three sons, Kent (Helen) Johnson, Scott Johnson and Dean (Jodi) Johnson; his children, Vern (Karen) Johnson, Dale (Debbie) Johnson, Paul (Marcia) Johnson, Lois (Doug) Ackley; a sister, Marcy Dyrland; 20 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Eunice; parents, Julia (Holmquist) and Oscar Johnson; and his first great-grandson, Tommy Nelson.

Pastor Walton's funeral is at Bayside Baptist Church on Sat., Oct. 6th at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark Pavola and Rev. Milton Holmquist co-officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post No. 435 and the committal prayers will take place at the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery.

Downs Funeral Home, corner of Ogden Ave. & 19th St., is assisting the family with the arrangements.