George Charles Walton January 24, 1946 ~ July 19, 2022

George Charles Walton, “Chuck,” was born in Salt Lake City, UT on January 24, 1946 to Darlene Wendrich. He was adopted and raised in Monticello, UT by William Charles and Thelma George Walton.
He was an only child, but he was not raised alone. He was welcomed into a loving adopted home surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
He was also blessed to have cherished boyhood friends who were like brothers to him: Stephen and Buckley Jensen, George Adams, and Doug Pehrson. These special friendships endured his entire life.
When George was in grade school, he contracted polio and was hospitalized for a year. LaVerda Jensen tutored George during his absence from school. When he was ready to return, he was actually pushed ahead and skipped a full grade.
He was an avid scouter, prankster, and gifted athlete. George excelled at sports and earned a track scholarship at the University of Utah – not bad for a kid who had survived polio.
George served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
He helped teach the family of John and Gladys Mull. After his mission, he returned to court and marry Trudy Mull, daughter of John and Gladys.
Chuck earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Brigham Young University.
He and Trudy returned to Monticello, where they bought the local KUTA Radio Station. Chuck’s dignified and clear voice was heard on the airwaves as the local DJ, weatherman, and news reporter. He also did play-by-play coverage of Monticello High School sports teams.
Eventually, Chuck and Trudy sold the radio station and moved their young family to California.
In California, Chuck worked as a computer programmer with EDS, when the computer age was just dawning. He held many positions, including management training that took him all over the country.
Chuck and Trudy raised five children: Travis, Jason, Michael, Matthew, and Ashley.
Chuck helped them cultivate curiosity and a love of learning. His love of reading, travel, and outdoors passed to his children.
The family shared many fun and novel experiences, including road trips, camping, theme parks, historical tours, art exhibits, and learning about different people and cultures.
Chuck had a zest for life. He was a gifted writer, public speaker, storyteller, and teacher.
In 2005, Chuck and Trudy separated. He spent the subsequent years living in Utah, Texas, and California, spending many years living with son Mike.
He even left retirement for a while to work for Jason in Texas.
During Chuck’s retired years, he developed a special friendship with Tonya Brimhall. Chuck found joy spending time with Tonya and her family.
Chuck was found by his birth family, the Wilson (Wendrich) family. Being welcomed by the Wilson family helped him spend his last years feeling a special sense of completeness.
Chuck passed away on July 19, 2022, while doing things he loved on a road trip in Long Beach, CA to enjoy time with Tonya and her family.
He was a resident of Spanish Fork, UT at the time of his passing.
He is preceded in death by his son Michael, and by his grandchildren Kyle, Andrew, and Jessica.
He is survived by Trudy, his other children and their families, his Wilson family, Mull family, Jensen family, and Brimhall family, and by many other family members and friends.
Memorial services are Saturday, August 6 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 3477 E. River Bottom Road in Spanish Fork. There is a viewing from noon to 12:45 and funeral at 1 p.m. Graveside services follow the funeral at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
The family encourages those who attend to wear face masks. Funeral services will be live-streamed and a recording will be available on the through the Nelson Family Mortuary website.

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