Franklin Dean Walton

Franklin Dean Walton, 96, passed away peacefully at his home of 32 years in St. George, Utah, on June 17, 2026.

Dean was born on August 8, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ivan Veloy Walton Sr. and LaRue Simmons. He spent his early childhood there and was baptized in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square in 1937. Later that year, his family relocated to Chicago, Illinois. It was during these formative years near Wrigley Field that Dean developed an unwavering, lifelong loyalty to the Chicago Cubs, a devotion beautifully rewarded when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016.

An active and accomplished youth, Dean attended Lutheran North Park High School, where he was elected Student Body President in 1946. When his family returned to Salt Lake City before his senior year, Dean chose to stay in Chicago to graduate, living independently at the local YMCA until graduating in 1947.

He returned to Utah to attend the University of Utah. His studies were paused when he was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northwestern States Mission, where he spent his final six months serving as the second counselor in the mission presidency. Upon returning, he completed his business degree at the University of Utah and served as president of the Delta Phi fraternity. It was during this time that he met Sharee Brugger. They were married on March 29, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple.

In 1956, Dean and Sharee moved to Price, Utah, to assist with the family automobile business. Though only intended to be a two-year stay, Price became their home for nearly four decades as they raised "five of the greatest kids in the world": Wendy, Pam, Karen, David, and Mark. While Sharee was the dominant, nurturing force at home, Dean dedicated himself to public, professional, and church service. He served as city recorder and administrative assistant to Mayor Bill Welch, and spent 25 years at the College of Eastern Utah (CEU). His extensive career there included roles as Dean of Student Life, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and acting President in 1984. He was also a director for First Security Bank, directed the development of the CEU nursing program, and was beloved as the "voice" of Golden Eagles basketball. In 2018, Utah State University honored him as a "Giant Upon Whose Shoulders This Institution Was Founded".

Dean served faithfully in many church callings in Price, including Bishop, Stake President, and Patriarch. In 1993, he and Sharee were called to the Atlanta Georgia Mission. Tragically, Sharee passed away from a brain aneurysm in February 1994, after almost 40 years of marriage.

Dean returned home alone to transition into retirement in St. George. Later that year, Dean met Norinne Holt through a suggestion from a friend. Dean invited her to play golf—a date that sparked a beautiful 30-year marriage where they enjoyed traveling, visiting family, and golfing together. While married to Norinne, Dean served for 12 years as a Temple Ordinance worker, a Temple Sealer, and supervisor of the Temple Sealers Department. Norinne preceded him in death, passing away peacefully on his birthday, August 8, 2024. Dean spent his final months looking forward to a good milk shake, walks in the park, and visits from family and friends.

Dean’s legacy of leadership, faith, and humor lives on through his family of 5 children, 25 grandchildren, and 47 great-grandchildren. Dean lived his life to the very end with faith in the Lord and devotion to family.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharee Brugger Walton; his second wife, Norinne Smith Holt Walton; his parents, Ivan Veloy Walton Sr. and LaRue Simmons; his brothers, Warren and Ivan Jr; and grandsons, Daniel Peperone, Braden Peperone, and Jacob Woodruff.

He is survived by his children: Wendy (Dean) Winward, Pam Peperone, Karen (Barry) Woodruff, David (Kathy) Walton, and Mark (Kaylene) Walton; his stepchildren: Kathryn (James) Day, George Stanford (Julie) Holt, Rebecca (Randall) Johnson, Elizabeth (Gary) Hall, Richard Darin (Ashley) Holt, and Rachell Holt; and his sister, Janice Christensen.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Dixie Hospice and his many dedicated medical professionals for their tender care of Dean in his final days.

A viewing will be held in St. George, Utah on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Bonzo Mortuary located at 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah 84770.

Funeral services will be held in Price, Utah on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing prior from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Price Cove Basin Ward building located at 995 East 700 North, Price, Utah 84501. Interment will follow in the Price City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests making a donation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund,https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/funds/