John T. Walton

John T. Walton was an heir to the Wal-Mart fortune and cofounder of the Children's Scholarship Fund. The billionaire died Monday, June 27, 2005 when his light aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. [1]

Forbes notes that: "Child of Sam Walton (d. 1992), founder of world's largest retailer Wal-Mart. Started with general store in Arkansas in 1962. Now 4,300 stores worldwide, serving 100 million customers a week. Wal-Mart considering bid for British supermarket chain Safeway. Family no longer in day-to-day control but still owns 38 percent of stock. Rob is chairman of board, also vintage auto enthusiast. Vietnam vet John is major backer of education causes, school choice, founded Children's Scholarship Fund with Ted Forstmann. Jim heads family's banking activities, heads Arvest, Arkansas' largest bank. Horse enthusiast Alice lives on Texas ranch. Family foundation recently donated $300 million to U. of Arkansas, largest-ever gift to U.S. public university. Money will go to graduate education and honors college for undergrads." [2]