John W. Meredith, 29, a lifelong resident of Walton, passed away during the evening of Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Delaware Valley Hospital, following a short illness.

John was born Nov. 14, 1979, in Walton, the son of William Daniel and Diane Avema Meredith.

He was a 1998 graduate of Walton Central School and received a bachelor of arts degree in government from Western New England College (WNEC) in Springfield, Mass. At WNEC, John was awarded the prestigious SKOOKUM Award during his junior year, and he served as an intern for the Governor of Massachusetts during his senior year. After completing his degree, John returned home to Walton and worked at Tyco Pharmaceuticals in Hobart.

In 2003, he was elected as the Town of Walton Supervisor and was re-elected for two additional terms. John also served on the Delaware County Board of Supervisors and was the Delaware County Budget Director.

In 2007, John obtained his master's degree in public administration from Binghamton University.

John was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Walton where he served as President of the Board of Trustees. John was also an active member and Vice-President of the Sons of Norway Norseman Lodge. In addition to his official duties, John served as the Vice-President of the Catskill Watershed Coalition.

Although John wore many hats, he enjoyed simple pleasures such as tending to his beef cattle, hanging out at the Country Store and the Walton Bowling Alley, playing cards, and having lively conversations with his many friends.

John is survived by his parents; as well as his brothers, William (Billy) and Patrick of Walton. John is also survived by his maternal grandparents, George and Elizabeth Avenia of Hillsdale; his aunts and uncles, Lynn Allen of Walton, Judy and Brian Harrington of Hampton, N.H., Michael and Tami Avenia of Hillsdale, and Anthony Avenia of Chatham. John's surviving cousins include, Meredith and Eric Johansson of Smithtown, Lauren and Morgan Avenia of Hillsdale, Megan and Nicholas Avenia of Chatham, and Inga, Gunnar, Eric and Kiersten Johansson of Smithtown; and several great-aunts and great-uncles and second cousins.

John was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, William and Adele Larsen Meredith; his cousin, Inga Allen; and his uncle, Robert Allen.

John thoroughly enjoyed his time here on earth — his Cadillac (DW 9), pickup truck, country music and living his life in Walton.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at the Courtney Funeral Home.

A celebration of John's life will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at the First United Methodist Church of Walton. Refreshments will follow at the Walton Fire Hall, West Street, Walton.

Donations of nonperishable food items for the Walton Food Bank will be accepted at the calling hours and celebration of life service.

In recognition of their compassionate and valiant service on John's behalf, donations in John's name may be sent to the Walton Fire Department and EMS, 61 West St., Walton, NY 13856.

John's friends should know that he took great comfort in the many prayers and kind words and deeds offered to him during the time of his illness.