L. Ralph Walton, 87, of Terre Haute, formerly of Brazil, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, at Harborside Healthcare in Terre Haute, where he had been a resident for six years.

Born at Lena in Parke County on Jan. 12, 1917, his parents were Lawrence Walton and Ethel Pierce Walton. He was a graduate of Putnamville High School.

During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Pensacola. For 35 years he was a pipefitter for the Terre Haute Gas Corporation and resided most of his life in Brazil.

He was a life member of Clay County Post 2, American Legion, the Eagles Lodge 274, and a life member of V.F.W. Post 1127, all in Brazil.

His second wife, Louise Davidson Walton, preceded him in death on Jan. 24, 1991. A sister also preceded.

Surviving are a son and his wife, Larry R. and Pat Walton, of Terre Haute; one grandson Darrell Walton, of Terre Haute; his first wife, Norma Walton, of Brazil; two step-grandsons and wives, Paul Jr. and Verdina Poff, of Jacksonville, Ark., and Eugene and Joyce Poff, of Barrington, N.J.; two step-granddaughters, Peggy Stanley and husband Randy of Tampa, Fla., and Kathy Poff, of Terre Haute; eight step-great-grandchildren; and a cousin, Hazel Myles, of Terre Haute.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Clearview Cemetery, with the Rev. Richard V. Pippen officiating. The V.F.W. and American Legion posts will conduct military rites.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Saturday in Miller Memorial Chapel.