Walter Carlisle Burton

Walter Carlisle Burton, 84, of Tacoma, Washington, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, with his wife, Leslie, by his side. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on April 6, 1941, to Walter Garland Burton and Rose Carlisle Burton. His early years were filled with adventure, sparked by frequent train trips with his mother while his father served in World War II, planting the seeds for a lifelong fascination with trains and an enduring sense of curiosity about the world.

After the war, the family spent a year living in the Hotel George Washington in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, where young Walter took full advantage of the setting, happily exploring the hotel at all hours and charming the staff along the way.

Raised in Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood, he was shaped by his parents’ devotion to family and developed an enduring affinity for animals. Over the years, Walter regaled his children and grandchildren with tales of his many childhood pets, the most legendary being Allie, a pet alligator he kept in the bathtub and fed baloney until she outgrew both. Stinky the skunk, whom he proudly walked on a leash, was another favorite. There were countless dogs, a few bunnies, and a bird, but horses ultimately became his greatest love. He spent so much time at a local horse farm the owners finally let him ride whenever he wandered over, becoming an extra set of hands in exchange for unlimited time in the saddle.

It was at duPont High School that Walter met the love of his life, Leslie Rivers. Though he liked to claim she “chased” him, he was smitten from the moment he glimpsed her across the pool deck, where they both swam. For the rest of his life, he spoke of her with pride and unwavering admiration. They married in 1963 after graduating from the University of Florida and began a life filled with travel, adventure, and family.

Walter’s career in food sales took them to Georgia, Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Maryland, and brought four children, a boat, a dog, a cat, two hamsters, and a fair number of questionable outfits that can safely be blamed on the 1970s.

The 1980s brought a cross-country move to Tacoma, Washington where Walter was named Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Roman Meal Bread Co. If you knew Walter during this time, you almost certainly had a bread coupon in your wallet. He proudly shuttled his children to and from their respective colleges and never let on which one he liked best (Go Huskies! Go Cougs! Go Beavers!).

Of all his “children,” however, there was a clear favorite—his beloved boat, aptly named Fifth Child. Walter and Leslie were avid boaters and formed lifelong friendships through the Tacoma Power Squadron and the Tacoma Yacht Club. Walter served as Commander with the Tacoma Power Squadron and as Commodore of the Tacoma Yacht Club. He also served on the TYC Board of Directors for six years.

Above all, Walter was most proud of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was also deeply committed to his faith and a longtime member and volunteer at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish. A true Southern gentleman, Walter will be remembered for his humor, kindness, generosity, and warmth.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Leslie; his children Ken Burton (Janet), Katherine Urbon (Joe), Angele Hunskor (Mark), and Andrew Burton (Tinabeth); eleven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Walter’s passing leaves an unfillable void in their lives, but they take comfort in the memories and enduring love they shared.

Services will be held at noon on Thursday, March 19, at St. Charles Borromeo Church, followed by a reception at the Tacoma Yacht Club.

In lieu of any gifts, please consider sharing a favorite memory or photo with the family. The family also welcomes continued prayers offered in Walter’s name.