Radio show host was defined by wit, humor
John Walton — a popular host of the regionally syndicated, Houston-based radio show “Walton and Johnson” — has died of complications from numerous medical issues, according to an announcement from his co-host Steve Johnson.
Walton, 67, had been receiving treatment over the last month but continued to suffer, according to Johnson’s message to fans. He returned home July 1 and spent his final hours with his family.
“He went out on his own terms,” Johnson wrote on the KPRC-AM 950 website. “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.”
“John cared deeply for all of you,” Johnson wrote. “He loved to make you all laugh.”
A memorial service for Walton is set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Second Baptist Church West Campus at 19449 Katy Freeway. Another memorial service for Walton is scheduled to take place in New Orleans on July 14.
The show first launched in February 1983 and currently has 16 affiliates throughout the South. It has been described in the Houston Chronicle as one that mixes music and talk with a decided right-of-center slant. The show was also hit with criticism in a recent Vice article about its use of stereotypical gay and black characters.
Daily listeners might hear famous comedians, high-profile politicians or major recording artists playing something that isn’t available on a record, according to the show’s Facebook page.
Ken Webster, the show’s executive producer, said “Walton and Johnson” aired specially on Wednesday for listeners to share their favorite stories of Walton and the show.
“John was great a broadcaster but also a very private person, and we didn’t realize how much pain he was in ... near the end of his life,” Webster said.
After Johnson’s message was posted, grieving fans responded with more than 250 comments.
“Houston will never be the same without him,” wrote April Ellett. “Thank you for making our mornings start with laughter.”
Chuck Tiller, program director for AM 1070 The Answer wrote: “John will be missed. He was a great broadcaster. We offer our condolences and prayers from the ‘Sam Malone Show’ and AM1070.”
Walton was known as a hard worker, with a typical day for him including recording the show for more than four hours then driving to Beaumont, where he managed his own radio station, KXXF-105.3 FM. Walton has owned the station since 2014.
“It’s always been his dream since he was a kid to own his own station,” his son, Adam Walton, who is also the station’s program director, said recently.
Adam Walton said a group of investors was prepared to purchase KXXF.
“John was a legend in his industry,” Webster said. “For decades, people all over the country have tried to replicate and copy what Walton and Johnson did as a radio show. It’s part of the reason why the show had so much longevity.”