Jerry Dean Walton

Jerry Dean Walton, age 73, of Moravia, IA, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA, surrounded by his loved ones. Jerry was born on December 18, 1951, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA, to Billy Dean and Veronica Jean (Corum) Lingo and was raised by Veronica and Raymond Walton. He grew up attending school in Marion, IA, before serving his country in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne “The Screaming Eagles”. On April 5, 1986, he was united in marriage to Cindy Marie Hill in Albia, who was his high school sweetheart he met in 1965. Jerry and Cindy were blessed with nearly 39 years of marriage prior to his passing. Jerry was an over the road truck driver and later worked several years as a welder. He also cut and sold firewood for many years. He operated his food truck, Sparky’s, where he became known for his tenderloins. Jerry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping, and flower gardening. In his younger years, he was a bull rider and also enjoyed hunting and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was an animal lover of all sorts, especially his dogs and cats, and rhode island red chickens. Jerry was very friendly, loved to visit with others, and never knew a stranger. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He enjoyed drinking his coffee, watching wrestling and old John Wayne movies, collecting Santa Clauses, and was a Michael J. Fox, Maureen O’Hara, and Jennifer Aniston fan. Jerry is survived by his wife, Cindy; a granddaughter, “Little Cindy”, who Jerry and Cindy raised, a daughter, Brittney Walton; a son, Jerry (Alissa) Walton; 3 older children; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and 2 grand pups. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, his best friend, Bob Ozburn; and many pets. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose, will follow services at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.

Jerry Dean Walton

December 18, 1951 - March 20, 2025