RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 100; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton was a longtime official with the Chicago Park District and the loving husband of Darwin; and
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton was the much-adored father of John and Claudette and the grandfather of one to whom he imparted many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, Raised-in Denver,' Claude A. Walton attended the University of Colorado where he studied music, excelled as a member of the track team, and supported himself by playing piano at night in Denver and Boulder clubs; and
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton set a school record in the discus throw, blazed a trail as that institution's first African-American varsity athlete and earned the distinction of becoming the first athlete to earn All-American in any sport at the university; and
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton aspired to compete in the 1936 Olympics, but was sidelined due to an ankle injury; and
WHEREAS, In 1937 Claude A. Walton moved to Chicago where he began his career at the Chicago Park District and became the first African-American lifeguard/attendant at the 31st Street Beach; and
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton served in a number of positions, including Physical Instructor from 1940 to 1954, Playground Supervisor from 1954 to 1959, Park Supervisor of Recreation from 1959 to 1964, Assistant Director of Employee Activities from 1964 to 1966, Director of Employee Activities from 1966 to 1970, and Associate Superintendent from 1970 until his retirement in 1987; and
WHEREAS, During 48-year years of service, Claude A. Walton's influence was pervasive and he mentored countless young people, including future Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; and
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton served as a Trustee of the Park Employees' Annuity & Benefit Fund of Chicago...
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