John Walton, one half of the syndicated morning show Walton & Johnson, passed away late Monday night.
Walton and Steve Johnson had been teamed together since 1983 spending much of their careers in Louisiana and Texas with flagships including WQUE, WCKW, WRNO and WEZB New Orleans, KTKS Dallas, and KIOL, KLOL, KKRW and KPRC Houston. They also had a very brief run in 1988 at “Hot 103.5” WQHT New York. Since 2007 the show has been based at iHeartMedia Houston with 950 KPRC currently serving as their flagship to 15 additional stations across Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
Walton also owned Classic Country “Free 105.3” KXXF Winnie/Beaumont TX.
Steve Johnson wrote the following message on KPRC’s website about the death of his longtime partner:
It is with great shock and sadness that I inform the Walton & Johnson audience of the untimely and sudden passing of John Walton.
His medical issues were too numerous to overcome. He had been receiving treatment over the last month but continued to suffer. He made the decision to return home yesterday and spend his last hours with his family. He went out on his own terms. John passed away last night around 11:55 PM – July 1st, 2019.
I will always cherish John as not only a partner but a dear friend. His wit and humor defined him as the unique individual we all knew him to be. He will never be replaced. He had a voice and he had something to say.
Your loyalty and support for him and his craft was always a mutual sentiment. John cared deeply for all of you. He loved to make you all laugh.
Please remember his family in your “thoughts and prayers”.
I am forever in debt to all of your for your support of our program. The show will return as soon as possible.
Sincerely, Steve Johnson.
