Royce Gene Walton

Royce Gene Walton, of Groesbeck, passed away at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at age 61.

A Memorial service and interment will be held at New Hope Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, 2021.

Gene was born February 4, 1960 to John Allen Walton and Royce Jean Walton in Houston. While growing up, the family lived in Houston, Brownsville, and San Antonio, and then moved back to Groesbeck in 1968. Gene graduated from Groesbeck High School in the Class of 1979.

Gene received his degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University when he was 35. He worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville until he was injured by an inmate. The resulting broken back caused him to remain disabled the remainder of his life.

Gene moved back to Groesbeck in 1996 and lived with his parents and brother Curtis. His best friend since 2nd grade, Darryl McLean, and Darryl’s wife Carol remained true friends all his life and loyal and supportive in good times and bad.

He was a beloved sibling and uncle. He was great with the nieces and nephews, and they loved “Uncle Gene.” He will be severely missed by all the family.

Gene was preceded in death by his grandparents, Curnie and Altha Walton; his parents, John and Royce Jean Walton; and his brother, Curtis Wayne Walton in 2019.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Audrey Walton and Sam and Brenda Walton; and also many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and other extended family as well as friends.