Well-known horseman Max R. Walton passed away on Thursday, March 30 at his farm home in Newark, Delaware. He was 73.
Walton, who owned a well-drilling company and was a builder, inventor and innovator in Delaware, was a graduate of Newark high school. He attended Pennsylvania Military Academy, and then enjoyed a 57-year career with Walton Corporation, a subsurface investigation company started by his father. He served as Chairman of the Delaware Water Well Licensing Board for over 30 years, and was active in the National Ground Water Well Association.
In the early days at the late Brandywine Raceway, he owned and trained dozens of Standardbred horses and was the track’s leading trainer several seasons. In recent years his best horse was hard-hitting top class pacer Mustang Art. Walton also served on the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association (DSOA) board of directors. He was a 45 year member of Hiram No. 25 AF & AM, Masonic Lodge.
Every Friday, Max enjoyed hosting a cocktail hour at his farm where he welcomed friends and family for "Cheers" for over forty years - even through his long struggle with ALS.
Max Walton’s most endearing quality was his constant willingness to help others. He was a mentor and friend to many.
He was married to his wife, Mary, for 50 years. He is survived by his son Max B. and his wife Anne, daughter Katherine Siegel, and her husband Josh, and by four grandchildren, Grace, Reilly, Sarah and Charlie.
A visitation will be held between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main St., Newark, Del. 19711.
A service in Max's honour will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 11 a.m, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10 a.m. A private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Mt. Aviat Academy, 399 Childs Road, Childs, Maryland, 21916.
(With files from Dover Downs)