WHEREAS, Mr. Carl Walton was born on October 8, 1918 in Yazoo City, MS; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Carl Walton received his formal education from Piney Wood Institute Piney Woods, MS; and
WHEARAS, Carl Walton grew up selling food to support his family. He later worked for “Garner Seed Company” in Yazoo City where he sold and delivered garden materials; and
WHEREAS, Carl Walton and his siblings formed a family singing group “The Walton Brothers”, who were known for their harmonious gospel quartet. Mr. Sam Cook actually sang with them for a short period of time. The Walton Brothers” traveled and performed their music in various cities including Mississippi, Chicago, Indiana, and Missouri. The group was the first to sing on Isabel Joseph Johnson’s WHFC Sunday morning broadcast, currently known as WVON; and
WHEREAS, Carl Walton migrated to Chicago, IL where he enrolled in a plumbing “on the job training” program where he learned the specialty trade. He later worked as a box handler and later courier for Erie Lackawanna Railroad, which later became Conrail, and currently is known as Amtrak where he retired after 30 years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, Carl Walton had (4) children from a previous marriage May Helen, Carlos, Felicia, and Carl Walton Jr. He married his current wife Geralene Walton in 1973 and to this union two twin daughters were born Barbara and Carol; and
WHEREAS, Carl Walton’s hobbies included fishing and gardening. He often caught loads of fish to relieve stress and would bring them home to share them with his neighbors and friends to feed their families. In addition he was also an avid gardener and his yard was well known in the neighborhood showcasing his grapevines, apple trees, pear trees, tomatoes, bell peppers and strawberry patches just to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Carl Walton Sr, is active member of First Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Brasfield. He would be seen every Sunday in the area where the men sit, right behind the deacons; and
WHEREAS, AT 99 years young, Carl Walton Sr, enjoys laughing, joking, talking with his children, grandchildren, and host of friends.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Preckwinkle along with the Cook County Board of Commissioners and on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County takes great pleasure in honoring and celebrating Mr. Carl Walton Sr., on the occasion of his 99th Birthday and wishes him continued health and happiness for years to come.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution is shared upon the official proceedings of this honorable body and that an official copy of the same is tendered to Mr. Carl Walton Sr. in honor of this auspicious occasion.