- Visitation
Saturday, December 7, 2024
4:00 to 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
- Service
Sunday, December 8, 2024
1:00 pm
Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
- Full Obituary
Finnley Joe Walton, 4 years old, of Highland, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at home.
He was born on January 9, 2020, in Richmond Heights, MO, to Zachary Walton and Samantha Szoke.
Finnley was nothing short of a miracle. He faced many obstacles after having a stroke days after birth. Despite all his physical and medical needs, Finnley persevered and remained steady in his ability to find his way into the hearts of others. He had a smile that would not only light up a room but would light up your soul. His giggle was contagious, and his love for his family was fierce. He thrived in the care of his mom and dad and was able to live a life filled with happiness due to their unending love and commitment to his well-being. Finnley was rarely upset, but if he was, all it took was his mom or dad by his side to get him calm. Finnley enjoyed listening to marching bands, Cocomelon, and his cousins' laughter. He was a swimmer, like his mama, kicking and splashing in freedom. He loved snuggling with his grandma Susan and laughing at her remarks about "being stinky." Finnley would sing with delight any time he was around his grandpa Joe. He couldn't be without his musical cube, even requiring the purchase of extras just in case. He brought so much joy to so many while also teaching them about inclusion, acceptance, and unconditional love.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the many ways friends, family, and people in the community stepped forward to help support Finnley. His life may have been short, but his impact was far from small.
Finnley was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Mike and Lillian Welch; great grandmother, Janet (Flamm) Jenny; and great uncle, Michael Flamm.
He is survived by his parents, Zachary Walton and Samantha Szoke; maternal grandparents, Mark “Joe” and Susan Szoke; paternal grandparents, Michael and Kristina Gibson; great grandfather, Samuel Jenny; 11 great aunts and uncles; one aunt; 50 beloved cousins; godparents, Shelby Gragert and Zachary Resmann; and his dog, Freckles.
Memorial donations may be made to the family in care of Samantha Szoke.
Visitation: Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
Funeral Service: Sunday, December 8, 2024, 1:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
Clergy: Rev. Bill Kapp, Pastor, EvUCC, Highland, IL
Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL
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