Walter A. Horton III went to be with his wife and the Lord on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

He was born July 20, 1928, in Central Falls, RI., to Walter A. Horton Jr. and his wife Alexandrina. He grew up in Pawtucket during the Great Depression, where he spent much of his boyhood involved in Troop 16 of the local Boy Scouts. He rose to Eagle Scout, and worked as Roman Scoutmaster, being appointed by famous Boy Scout Executive, J. Harold Williams.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Walter joined the local Civil Defense. As a messenger, he was one of the only children allowed to have a bicycle due to the rubber shortage. He joined the Army with three friends, and they became known at the “Pawtucket Boys,” men who joined the Army to benefit from the GI Bill. After training as an engineer, he served with the 1st Cavalry in Occupied Japan, where he had MP duties. He told his grandsons many interesting stories about Japanese culture, the cities he saw and touring Japan’s countryside.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Walter attended Brown University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1952. Immediately after college, he was called to serve the Lord, and joined the Order of Cisterian Monks of the Roman Catholic Church. During the next 14 years, Walter became an ordained priest, helped build by hand St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Mass., and received a license degree in Theology after a year of study at St. Thomas University in Rome. Although he left the priesthood, and was very humble about his accom- plishments, it was a very important part of his life.

In 1966, through his work with the monks, he met the love of his life and soulmate, Betty L. Crook. They married July 29, 1967, and he adopted her two daughters, Carmen and Kimberly. After living briefly in Concord, N.H., they purchased Betty’s childhood homestead in Bridgton on September 12, 1969. Three days later, while moving into their new home, they welcomed their son, Walter A. Horton IV into the family.

Walter became a civil engineer for the State of Maine Department of Transportation in 1969. He was the chief engineer on many southern Maine road construction jobs and retired from the state in 1987. He also became a licensed site evaluator and did his first job on June 11, 1974, for a neighbor. For almost 50 years, Walt designed septic systems all over southern Maine. He was very well liked and respected by the many contractors he worked with over the years. On October 3, 2021, he officially retired from site evaluation work. In 2009, he published his book called The Wild Strawberry School; The book of Conscious Sensations.

He enjoyed gardening, walks with his many dogs, and spending time with his family. October 2, 2021, his wife of 54 years passed away at home, with him by her side. Knowing that she was at peace and his work was done, he went to be with his wife in Heaven the morning of October 13.

He was also predeceased by his parents and his brother, Ray- mond Horton. He will be dearly missed by his daughters Carmen Horton and Clifford Daigle of Bridgton, Kimberly and Gordon Camous of Norway, and son Walter A. Horton IV (Zak) of Bridgton. Also surviving him are his six grandchildren, Brogan Horton and Cassidy Howard, Cameron Horton, Liam and Gabby Opie, Walter A. Horton V (Nolan), Makyah Camous and Emilie Camous. Also, great-grandchildren Amelia and Oliver Howard. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra, and Ralph Tomei, of Seekonk, Mass., and nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at Homeland Cemetery on Middle Ridge Road, Bridgton, on November 6 at 1 p.m. A double service will be held to include a service for his wife, Betty, whose service was postponed due to family illness. Rain date is November 7 at 1 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 8 Elm St., Bridgton, To make an online condolence please visit www. chandlerfunerals.com