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EMMETT Randy DURAND WALTON
Dec. 7, 1946 April 8, 2017
WALTON Emmett K

Emmett Durand Walton, “Randy”, 70, of Oakdale, California, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2017. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 W. F St., Oakdale, CA.
Randy was born on December 7, 1946 in Asheville, North Carolina to Emmett and Elizabeth Mary (Baldwin) Walton. He grew up in Potwin, Kansas, where he was raised by Jay and Mae Robbins. In his early twenties, he moved to California to be with his mom. As fate would have it, he met his wife Diane (Estrella) Walton at a bowling alley in Hayward, California.
Randy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane (Estrella) Walton; two daughters, Alana (Gabriel) Galo and Erica Walton and Roberto Escobar; two grandchildren, Kayla and Dominic; two brothers, Jack (Faustina) Egoian and Craig (Elaine) Egoian, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Randy was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was well known for his great sense of humor and his genuine care and concern for others. Randy and Diane spent much of their time in Union City until they decided to move to Oakdale, CA to retire.
Randy was a talented artist and enjoyed woodworking and photography. He had a keen eye for seeing the beauty in nature. He created many fine pieces of art out of what many may have just considered a block of wood. During many vacations and weekend outings, he had his trusty camera by his side so he could capture the sun setting at just the right moment or catch the perfect wave just before it crashed on to the beach. He enjoyed taking pictures of Yosemite and all the majesty and wonder it had to offer. In fact, that is partially how he chose to retire in Oakdale; it was somewhat in the middle of the Bay Area and Yosemite, so he could still be close to his children and grandchildren. He loved being able to watch his grandchildren play soccer and cheered loudly for them on the sideline. Unfortunately, due to health issues and the need for dialysis, Randy and Diane were not able to go on as many adventures as they had hoped and planned for during retirement. However, he made the best he could of every moment they had and were still able to make several trips to Hawaii where he could capture and share the beauty of the islands. He had a zeal for life and took every challenge that was thrown at him “by the horns” and pushed onward. He was a strong man, not only in the physical sense, but also in terms of his mind and spirit. Humor got him through many tough moments and it will be those memories that will get us through one of the toughest moments in our lives. A great man was taken much too soon, but we all find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and no longer in pain or tied down by dialysis. He will forever be in our hearts and he will make sure that we too see the beauty that is around us.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
April 19, 2017