Frederick L. Walters

Frederick L. Walters, 91, of Oblong, IL, passed peacefully away at 4:03 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born January 26, 1925 in East Chicago, IN, the son of Clarence Walters & Leona H. (Baker) Walters, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his brother, Arthur, who died at the age of 16, not having access to penicillin, which was being used overseas during the war. Fred never graduated from high school, wishing instead to serve his country however he could, and serve he did. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, Fred landed on the beaches of Omaha on June 6, 1944 under intense gun fire. He went on to take part in five campaigns and walked 1,000 miles. The end of the war found him in Italy, and when he returned home, he married Dolores Ann Walters on January 5, 1946, and she preceded him in death on December 24, 2003. He was also preceded in death by his good friend Gladys Carey. He is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Peggy & Gene Jones (Hardinville, IL); by his granddaughters & their husbands, Valerie & Dale Beck, Jr. (Marshall, IL) and Janet & Jerry Ramsey (Marshall, IL); by his brother-in-law & his wife, Clarence & Helen Walters (Michigan City, IN). Fred was a 50-year member of the Griffith Masonic Lodge #735. He worked for General American in East Chicago as a foreman for 25 years until they closed their doors. He moved on to Florida, where he worked for George Hunt Construction as a welder. He retired and moved to Oblong, IL in 1987 so that he could be near his family. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, he could often be found fishing, working around the house, or spending time with his beagles. He also enjoyed attending the Hardinville Christian Church. As he had never completed high school, he was given the opportunity to graduate from Oblong High School in 1997, a feat of which he was particularly proud. He also took part in the Central Illinois Honor Flight with his son-in-law, Gene and a number of other veterans. Later on in his life, he became a resident of Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, where he formed many special friendships. He was a beloved part of the Ridgeview family. He will be dearly missed by his family, as well as the Ridgeview staff and residents. He was a one-of-a-kind soul and will never be forgotten. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11th at the Hardinville Cemetery. Family and friends who loved him are welcome to attend. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the V.F.W. Transportation Fund, with envelopes available at the cemetery and the funeral home.