December 12, 1952 – November 4, 2009

Monte Dean Walton, 56, of Scottsbluff died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. A service to commemorate his life was Nov. 10 at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff with Pastor Mike Mead officiating. As per his request, cremation was held at Sunset Memorial Park Crematory. A memorial has been established to the Panhandle Humane Society as per his wishes. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.

Monte was born on Dec. 12, 1952 in Scottsbluff to Alan and Lucille (Childs) Walton. When he was about 2 years old the family moved to Siletz, Ore. and later to Lincoln, Mont. before returning to Scottsbluff in 1959. Monte attended school in Scottsbluff. During his youth he farmed with his dad and later they worked together at the Star Herald.

He married Biruta Della Pukitis on Nov. 26, 1970, to this union was born their son: Scott. Monte graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1971. After attending a blue print reading class at the college, his teacher, Robert Lukens offered him an apprenticeship in the tool and die trade.

In 1977, he built and started his dream: “the Red Barn Machine Shop” in Terrytown. After 15 years, he built a new building that would be Red Barn Shop LLC as it is, and continues today in the Scottsbluff Industrial Park.

Monte was known as a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was a Tool and Die Maker/Machinist with every thread of his being. He loved the work he did. He was a jokester and enjoyed living life to the fullest! He enjoyed fishing, traveling, gambling, camping, playing cards and collecting the Three Stooges memorabilia. He was a Jaycee, and belonged to the Eagles and Moose Lodges.

The lights of his life were his grandchildren: Sebastian and Sydney and his dogs: Meko and Lola.

The family would like to share that whether you loved him or hated him, that Life is Precious, Don’t take ever moment for granted. It could be gone in a heartbeat.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years: Biruta; son: Scott (Amy) Walton and grandchildren, Sebastian and Sydney Walton; mother: Lucille Pate and mother-in-law, Antonina Pukitis, all of Scottsbluff; brother: Roger of Norman, Okla.; sister: Janet of Fayetteville, Ark.; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, many loving in-laws and a host of friends and business associates.

Monte Dean Walton