Clarence J. Walton (1949-2021)

WALTON, SQUIRES, BENESH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/17/2021 at 09:35:48

Clarence J. Walton, 71, of Cedar Rapids went to be with his Lord on Feb. 15, 2021. Celebration of Life and burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Clarence was born Aug. 31, 1949, the son of James and Mary Ellen (Squires) Walton of Tipton, Iowa. Clarence was a 1968 Tipton High School graduate. In 1971, he enlisted and proudly served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army's Fifth Special Forces Group. He married Wendy L. Benesh on Aug. 2, 1975. They were blessed with three children: Heather, Alyssa and James.
In November 1977, Clarence graduated from ISU with a degree in fisheries and wildlife biology. Throughout his life, Clarence enjoyed fishing and hunting and his passion for the outdoors led him in the direction of land surveying. After being mentored by Les Ott and Don Bunting, both for whom he had the utmost respect, Clarence earned his land surveyor's license and enjoyed a prestigious career that lasted over three decades. He also served as a mentor to others sharing his surveying knowledge with those pursuing their licenses.
Clarence was a member of the Iowa State Land Surveyors Association and Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and trustee.
Survivors include his wife, Wendy; his children, Heather (Robert) Lee and James Walton; grandchildren, Aubrey, Olivia, Allison, Elizabeth, Gavin, Carter and Bradley; sister, Vada (Robert) Elliott; sister-in-law, Judy McLaskey; and brother-in-law, Randy (Kris) Benesh.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Alyssa Peshek; and brother-in-law, Francis McLaskey.
This "Paul Bunyan" size man was known for his quick wit, his entertaining stories, his "Clarence-isms" and, most of all, his love for God, family, friends and country. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association or to a charity of your choice.
Please share your support and memories with Clarence's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.