Walton C. Middleton, of Mart, left this earth to go to God's green pastures on Thursday, May 12, 2016.

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 1278 Middleton Rd., Mart, TX 76664 with Rick Cockrell and Brother Fred Sain officiating.

Walt was born October 27, 1933 in Mart, Texas to Walter Cecil and Lillie Belle (King) Middleton. As young boys he and his brother, J.D. worked hard for local Mart farmers doing field day work. He graduated from Mart High School in 1951, joined the U.S. Marines in 1953 serving in Korea until 1955 when he was Honorable discharged as a Sargent. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. While serving in the Marines he hitchhiked from the East to the West coast. He worked for Monsanto/Sterling from 1956 until retiring in 1988. After retirement Walt was a cattle rancher in Galveston County, Texas City, Texas. He was President of the Galveston County Ranchers Association and helped raise money for their student scholarships. Due to health problems, Walt quit ranching and moved to Mart, Texas to live with his sister in 2008. Walt was a strong Union man, he had a great sense of humor always stirring trouble and enjoyed trail rides and working cattle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Louis Burke Farr; and nephew, Jeff Cockrell.

Survivors include his brother, J. D. Middleton of Prairie Hill; his sister, Janice Cockrell and husband, Tommy of Mart; and nieces and nephews.