Dave Walton Obituary, Death – Nebraska wrestling is mourning the loss of Dave Walton, a longtime official and former two-time state champion whose connection to the sport spanned generations. His passing leaves a deep sense of loss among family, friends, athletes, coaches, and officials across the state.
To his family, Dave was known as “the mayor of wrestling town” a fitting description for someone whose years of dedication made him a familiar and valued presence in Nebraska’s wrestling community. For many, seeing him around the sport was simply part of being involved in Nebraska wrestling.
Dave’s own wrestling journey began at Westside High School, where he became a two-time state champion and was part of the school’s 1976 state championship team. He continued wrestling at the collegiate level at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, carrying his commitment to the sport beyond high school.
In time, Dave became best known as a longtime Nebraska wrestling official. His work brought him to mats across the state, where he helped oversee competitions and became a recognizable figure to generations of wrestlers and coaches. Those who spent time in Nebraska wrestling over the past six decades may well have crossed paths with him.
Dave’s influence came not only from his experience as a competitor and official, but from his enduring presence in a sport that meant so much to him. He was, as those remembering him have said, a wrestler through and through.
The coming season will feel different without Dave on the mats. His absence will be felt by the people who shared tournaments, teams, and countless moments in the wrestling community. As family and friends grieve, those across Nebraska are being asked to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
Dave Walton’s legacy will live on in the sport he served and in the many people who remember him. May his family and friends find comfort in their memories and in the support of the Nebraska wrestling community.
