06/16/2026
Rev. Gerald "Jerry" Dale Walton, 82, of Meadville, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in Columbia, TN.
Rev. Walton was born in Meadville on May 25, 1944, a son of the late Charles and Bernice (Boyd) Walton. His entire adult life and much of his childhood was spent on Walton Hill, and he loved raising his family there.
On August 12, 1972, Jerry married Carol Foulk; she survives.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, Meadville.
Jerry was a 1962 graduate of Meadville Senior High School where he excelled in football, track and field as well as basketball. He was a Vietnam War Veteran, USMC, enlisting in November of 1962 and serving his country until his honorable discharge in November 1966. Jerry attended Junior College in CO, and graduated from SW Texas State University in 1973, majoring in English and Speech. He furthered his education by graduating in 1978 from Dallas Theological Seminary. Over the years Jerry served his Lord in many capacities including as a Youth Pastor at Covenant Community Church, Redford, MI from 1978-1982, as Senior Pastor at West Somerset Baptist Church from 1982-1985, as Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church from 1985-1990, then became Associate Pastor at Lyona Bible Baptist Church from 1990-2006, and from 2006, Rev. Walton served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Meadville, until his retirement in August 2024. He was an avid reader.
In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by seven children; Jennifer Such, (Jeff) of Pittsburgh, Jill Johnson (Sam) of Franklin, TN, Joshua Walton, Meadville, Joy Shaffer (Eliot) of Pittsburgh, Jacob Walton of San Diego, CA, Joseph Walton of Wi******er, VA, Dr. Johannah Walton of Los Angeles, CA; 14 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brothers Harold Walton (Nancy), Clyde Walton (Marie); a sister in law Gail Walton all of Meadville; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers William Walton, Howard Walton; and his step-mother Mildred Walton.
Visitation will be from 3-6 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE. Visitation will also be from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 353 Chestnut St. Meadville, where a Celebration of Life will follow at 12:30 PM with his son Lt. Jacob, "Jake" Walton, USNR, officiating.
Jerry will be laid to rest in Wayland Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 353 Chestnut Street Meadville, PA 16335.
Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT STREET, MEADVILLE.
Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
