Buddy was my older brother, so I especially enjoyed
seeing the senior trip pictures as Buddy was in a couple of the pictures, I
had never seen. That was one of the reasons I went thru all the pages, Art
wrote a very nice piece, sure wish I could write like him.
It makes
me feel good to know that Buddy was associated with such a great group of
people. Even tho Buddy was only 18
when he died he has a lasting influence on me. At the time of his death I
was in the 3rd grade and I remember thinking that I wanted to be just like
him. While in the last 46 years I'm sure that I have not been able to
maintain the standards that he would have set for himself; He has been one
of my best role models. And I have to just wonder how things would have
turned out if Buddy had lived.
Oh don't get me wrong I am
a believer and I know that
Bud is in a better place but I just can't help but wonder. In my life I have
truly been blessed. I have done more and been places I never would have
imaged, when I was in the field chopping cotton. I just can't help but think
that Buddy is one of my guardian Angles that has made sure I was blessed
My two sisters were in the class of 56 so they both
were there for the class reunion. Larry one of my two living brothers is
married to Brenda (Nail) Walton. So he was at the breakfast with your class.
The old Dodge pickup and
driver bolted from the parking lot of the Poplar Bluff Regional Center in
Poplar Bluff—three rolling stops and two traffic signals and it would be
home sweet home!
With a lurch, the old Dodge
pickup came to a stop on the launching pad at 2211 Orr Road in Poplar
Bluff. Stuff taken to and from work each day was gathered and the Daily
American Republic newspaper was picked up from the drive way. Then, a
visitor was noted sitting in the lawn chair petting Tiger, a cat that became
homeless after his owner went to a nursing home, now a friend.
The Angel of Death said
“Hello Art”!
“Are you signed out? Does
God know where you are just in case you are really needed?” were questions
that asked!
“Great sense of humor, Art!
I wanted you to know that Ellen Walton died on Sunday, April 27th,
in Gideon at the Care Center!”
Tiger was now meowing and
looking expectantly with his one eye and battle scarred face for an after
work treat! The Angel of Death was gone like a whirlwind—destiny unknown.
Aggravation filled the soul
on this beautiful day because good intentions had always been to visit Ellen
at the Care Center. But, the time was never just right—there was a
perceived something that just had to be completed and the visit would be
made tomorrow. Tomorrow never came—for death came suddenly as a friend to
her.
The newspaper was opened and
the obituary section was read very carefully--and thoughts of Buddy, Kim and
Ellen Walton from many years ago came so quickly and so easily! Buddy Wayne
Walton was the son of Kim and Ellen Walton.
Buddy’s grades would make
any parent proud, he was class president and we made plans to attend
Southeast Missouri State College and to share a room in Cheney Hall during
the fall semester! However, life created a snag that caused a delay for
him. In late August 1959, Buddy mentioned that he would postpone attending
college until the spring semester due to a shortage of money.
Great fear existed within
the soul and there was doubt whether the spirit would be able to take the
plunge to attend college without the best buddy with me to make the sojourn
to launch the college days. Fear created doubts as to whether passing
grades would be made or would there be pleas of mercy asking for one more
chance.
The adventure began, and
time was a blur! The recess for Christmas came and a trip home to
Tallapoosa/Gideon was made to visit with family and friends. Buddy told me
that he would be in Cape Girardeau on January 5, 1960, to get everything
ready for the second semester which began in late January. In those days,
the fall semester came to a close in mid January with the spring semester
beginning a few days later.
January 5th was a fun filled
day that came and went so quickly--Buddy came to Cape Girardeau to get
things done for the beginning of school and to visit with classmates that
were enrolled at Southeast Missouri State College which was the name in
those days! However, the Angel of Death was circling unnoticed due to the
mirth, merriment and glee that were so abundant! The perch was made and the
soul and spirit taken.
Even though the physical
remains were light, the casket was heavy as Buddy was transported to a final
resting place at Stanfield Cemetery near Clarkton! The mournful feelings of
The Waltons and their family and friends may still be seen on this day as
Tiger meows in combo with Archie Bunker and Stretch Cunningham requesting
their after work treats!
Kim died on June 2, 1977,
Ellen died on April 27, 2003 and Buddy on January 5, 1960!
The next conversation with
the Angel of Death will surely require a why concerning Buddy, but a lesson
has been learned regarding failing to visit Ellen. Procrastination can be
costly when one does not visit someone, say a kind word or send a note to a
friend--the time of our lives speeds away from us so very quickly. It is
imperative to make every effort to burn out to avoid the slightest smudge of
rusty intent on the body or in the mind!
The travels of life may only
be viewed as being desperate if one is without purpose, unable to aim effort
toward a dream or if intentions replace action!
Good bye, Ellen Annetta
Walton--say hello to Kim and Buddy! You beat us to the finish line!
Friends are so important and
wonderful--past, present and future! Thanks for the memories!
Art Cole,
Classmate and friend.
