Steven T. Walton lived a life of joy and vitality, touching all with whom he came in contact with his love of life, his creativity, deep spirituality and humor. A native of Erlanger, Kentucky, The son of Helen and Ed Walton, he became the son, brother and friend of Paris and Bourbon County during his years as Manager of Vardens and Executive Director of Paris-Bourbon County Tourism and Coordinator of Downtown Paris. His infectious smile and contagious passion and energy brought many new initiatives, collaborations with local businesses and revitalization to the city, including Hope Park, the Farmers Market and Third Thursdays. Of his many legacies, a most significant work in progress is the Sister City program with Ville de Lamotte Beuvron, France. Steve represented Paris and Bourbon County, receiving the Medal Lamotte Beuvron on behalf of the Mayor, and was actively involved with continuing aspects of this international collaboration of the equine industry and economic development until the time of his death. He spread the news of Paris and Bourbon County widely through his involvement with state programs for tourism, downtowns and through individual contacts sharing the hospitality of his adopted hometown, such as a visit to the new governor with gifts from Downtown Paris. He was blessed with gifts of leadership and entrepreneurship which called him to a variety of endeavors which he graced with his presence prior to his work for the city of Paris. With a background in restaurant management which began with The Oriental Wok restaurant during his teen years, he managed Common Ground Coffee House in Lexington, as well as Vardens in Paris, and Rodney's in Georgetown, and was a start- up consultant for Third Street Stuff and other businesses. A lifelong Episcopalian, he was active in youth leadership at the Cathedral Domain, and served as Youth Minister at the Church of the Good a Shepherd in Lexington, and as a member of the Leadership Team of the Diocese of Lexington and a member of the vestry at St. Peter’s Church in Paris. For ten years he served as featured columnist for THE ADVOCATE, newspaper of the Diocese of Lexington, writing a monthly column under the title X-ERSIZING (for Generation X). His deep insights into universal life issues and unique titles and writings are remembered by readers who still refer to him as "most read" and " must reads." Among the many gifts he gave so freely were his ability to laugh and make others laugh, his belief in and impetus as a reconciler of relationships and his full presence in each of the innumerable friendships made wherever he went. He faced the cancer which claimed him with his inimitable courage, determination and grace, daily expressing his amazement and appreciation for the outpouring of love and assistance. It was a part of his charm that he had no idea how many lives he had touched. He is survived by his father Ed Walton brother Quad and Karla Thornton and son Cory, brother Chris Thornton and his fiancée Staccy Deitsch, sister Beth Hodnapp, husband Steve and daughters Ashley, Olivia, Whitney and son Luke. He was predeceased by his mother, Helen Walton. He is also survived by a host of ' funny family' - people of all ages who loved him as brother, son and friend. The words that best describe his continuing journey come from the Rev. James Angell, writing after the death of his daughter: "what if Heaven is about sunrises, not sunsets; drums, not harps; dancing, not siestas; the sound of young people and the sublime sound of orange violins?" Steve Walton went to enliven Heaven on Saturday, September 24, 2016. In November of 2015, he made this entry on Facebook: “I thought about love, and I said a prayer of thanksgiving for it, because love is ALIVE, and real love can't be stopped.” In his final column for the ADVOCATE, Steve wrote these words, quoting from a talk he had given when he served as the adult advisor to Happening, a youth renewal conference: “Just like there will always be night, there will always be dawn. ALWAYS. Just like there will always be winter, there will always be spring. ALWAYS. Just like Monday is always hard, Friday is always just around the corner. ALWAYS. Our challenge is to stand with our brothers/sisters, friends in the cold of winter. To huddle together - and watch and wait and pray. To stand together and declare in one united voice, “Love is alive!” Services will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, High Street in Paris on Thursday, September 29th at 4PM the Rev. Chris Brannock and the Rev. Michael Carlisle officiating. Bow ties may be worn in honor of Steve. Following the service, friends are invited to a reception at BourBon, 616 Main Street in Paris to continue celebrating the life and contribution of Steve Walton. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Steve’s name may be sent to The Cathedral Domain Camp and Conference Center (must be made to Diocese of Lexington/memo Domain and Steve Walton, Box 610, Lexington, KY 40588 or to Steve Walton’s Beautification of Main Street Fund, c/o Traditional Bank, 3333 Lexington Road, Paris, KY 40361.

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