An evening of celebration and year-in-review for the Pennyrile Area Development District turned somber, yet special, Monday evening at the Bruce Convention Center — when economic giant and unabashed barbecue enthusiast John Walton was posthumously honored with the John C. Mahre Award for regional dedication and excellence.
A graduate of Guthrie High School in 1961, among many, many other things, he died of natural causes Tuesday, June 6, at the age of 79.
Long-tabbed for this prestigious moniker now renamed after Hopkinsville’s own regional servant leader, Walton was supposed to be in person — delivering a humble acceptance speech alongside his wife, Diana, son, John, and a panel of community leaders.
Instead, Walton was eulogized — first by an emotional Todd County Judge-Executive Todd Mansfield.
Out of the country and with poor cellular service at the time of his passing, Mansfield said he received notifications by text message.
One particular exchange between he and his son brought a modicum of comfort and peace.
Mansfield also added that Walton is deserving of one other title.
Via video conference, Governor Andy Beshear sent words of condolence and encouragement to Walton’s family and friends.
A non-political agent, Walton maintained strong relationships with the governor’s office, and the two last spoke at the end of May — following the 20-year celebration and distribution of “Cleaner Water” funds at the Logan/Todd Regional Water Commission.
Beshear’s senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, also sent words of comfort and solace — noting he’d always cherish the friendship they had and still have.
Walton, he added, would be missed.
In the closing moments of Monday’s banquet, Diana said she that of all things, she was most thankful for 59 years of marriage with John, and that she had been comforted the last few days by the scores of stories detailing his efforts and generosity.
Many, she added, were ones she’d never heard.
