Francis 'Keith" Walton

Francis “Keith” Walton, dearly loved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away Wednesday April 3, 2024 at the age of 93.  Left behind to mourn his passing are his beloved wife, Carol (nee Hartsell) of almost 47 years, his stepsons, Kevin (Mary Ellen) Rumble, and Kent (Christie) Rumble, and his daughter Cathryn Strom.  He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Clark (Heidi) Rumble, Scott Rumble, Mara Rumble, Shane Rumble, Jayden Strom, Tanner Strom and Brinley Strom and his great-grandchildren Ellis and Wyatt Rumble.   Keith was predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Louise Walton, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Doris (Bob) Landick and Ethel (Harold) Brennan, as well as Carol’s parents, Francis and Phyllis Hartsell, and her brothers, Garth and Ian Hartsell.  He will also be remembered with love by several nieces and nephews and their families.

Keith was motivated by a very strong work ethic from the time, as a boy, he helped his father on the farm, delivered newspapers, set up bowling pins and later became a carpenter’s helper, drove truck, and eventually became a licensed mechanic.  His 35 year career as a mechanic for Bell Canada took him to London, Labrador, Windsor and Woodstock. Following retirement, he drove school bus for 18 years, and thoroughly enjoyed camaraderie with his young passengers and his fellow bus drivers.  Some of his happiest hours were spent at his cottage in Port Franks, where he made many friends.  He also valued the friendships he found at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 55 and the Oxford County Naval Veterans Association, along with many others formed over the years.  He enjoyed tackling new challenges, even to the point of becoming a husband to Carol and a stepfather to her two boys in his mid-forties, when everyone was convinced that he was a confirmed bachelor.  There were not many build-it or fix-it projects that he would not tackle.  Keith’s idea of a good time was when he was busy working at something.  He was a kind, generous, loving man who always put others before himself.  Keith’s family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses at Woodstock General Hospital for their caring and compassion.

Following his cremation, friends and family are invited to attend a visitation at Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock on Monday, April 8 from 6-8pm, and for the hour preceding the memorial service which will take place at the funeral home on Tuesday April 9 at 2pm.

If desired, charitable donations may be made to Woodstock Hospital, War Amps, Oxford County Naval Veterans Association, SPCA or a charity of your choice.