Charles Harmon Walton, 1925-1991

Charles and Viola Walton practiced "team ministry" for many years before that term reached popular usage in another context. In addition to other and separate church responsibilities, they visited members and community residents regularly with caring, continuous interest. None of their nine appointments ever reported a net membership loss.

The Walton parsonages and personal home were near continuous open houses. Hardly a week passed without friends or parishioners being guests for one or more days. A week was not unusual as a special service to a caring spouse who needed the rest of space and time alone.

Charles, the 14th Virginia conference member from his mother's family, was the only son and youngest of three children born to Harmon J. and Marion Enos Walton. From his birth in Clifton Forge, Va., May 13, 1925, he grew toward manhood on a dedicated diet of Christian service through Methodism. After Sunday school and worship at Central Church, Clifton Forge, his parents worked and taught at Wilsons Creek (Iron Gate Charge) Sunday afternoons for more than 50 years. The church was renamed Walton Memorial in 1956, four years before Mr. Walton's death. Mrs. Walton continued teaching until her death in 1967.

When Charles died in Lynchburg, January 6, in his first year of annuity retirement, he was his immediate family's only survivor. He is survived by his wife of more than 38 years, the former Viola Carson; a son, George William of Baltimore, Md.; a daughter, Laura Lee Marzetta of Alameda, Cal.; and two grandchildren -- Gregory and Rachel Marzetta.

Funeral services were conducted in Lynchburg and Clifton Forge (January 9) by two of Charles' brothers-in-law and fellow Virginia conference members, the Rev. Louis E. Carson and the Rev. Joseph T. Carson, Jr.

Charles attended or was graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy, Ferrum, Randolph-Macon College (Ashland) and the Divinity School of Duke University. His Virginia conference ministry began by teaching psychology at Ferrum Junior College, 1950-52. Viola joined the faculty in home economics in 1951, and they married the following September in Memorial Methodist Church, Appomattox.

The newlyweds began "team parish ministry" at Keysville in October 1952, which also included Meherrin and Plantersville at the beginning of their five-year pastorate. They also served Buchanan, Bethany (Hampton), Calvary (Stuarts Draft), West End (Portsmouth), Kilmarnock, Leesburg, and Saint John's in Staunton. Charles' more serious health problems interrupted the first year at Main Street (Bedford) in April 1983.

Following disability retirement in June and the final move to their home at 101 Holmes Circle, Lynchburg, Charles and Viola entered the ministry of Shiloh during the pastor of their nephew, the Rev. Joseph T. Carson, III.

Charles was a well-rounded, intelligent and perceptive person in his church and private life, as well as a serious, caring and much appreciated pastor. Holiday, birthday and anniversary cards, with personal notes, were mailed annually to a list that grew for 40 years. Charles loved humor, and he was able to see lightness in many of life's ironies. Older persons and things earned his love and appreciation easily throughout life. His life also was enriched by spectator sports, music and drama. Life's total experiences strengthened his faith, and his faith discovered deeper meanings for life.

Last December, less than a month before his death, Charles spoke randomly and freely of what he needed and didn’t  need from his faith. Viola suggested he should put those thoughts on paper. He sat at the kitchen table and composed his final written words. They were summarized too briefly here and paraphrased for additional brevity.

He didn't need self-righteousness paraded, he wrote, or judgments or fears of an eternal hell. He also included shame, guilt and philosophies that differed from his own.

"I need Jesus," who said: 'I love you,' "even when you do not love me, your fellow human or yourself. "I love him for wearing the thorns on his brow, but I love him for accepting me as I am. 'What a friend we have in Jesus.' Yes, he's my friend."

About a month earlier, Charles had participated in his last funeral service. "He now knows the whys we often wonder about," Charles said. Like that deceased friend and former parishioner, Charles has entered the completeness of life that knows the whys. His life is remembered with love and appreciation, but his absence leaves grief and regrets.

-Fred T. Gilley