Donald R. Walters (July 16, 1930-April 10, 2020)

Donald R. Walters (Don), age 89 of Paris, Illinois, pitched a no-hitter on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, and entered the big leagues as he joined his beloved wife and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. Born July 16, 1930, in Clark County, Illinois, Don was the son of the late Sherman and Clara Mae (Fox) Walters.  He married LaVerne Ann (Jones) Walters on January 28, 1954, in Richlands, North Carolina.  She predeceased him in death on February 10, 2014.  Surviving are two daughters, Debbie (Terry) Sturgell of Paris, Illinois, and Lori (Tater) Erwin of Paris, Illinois; four grandchildren, Kris (Jaime Rukstales) Sturgell of Gurnee, Illinois, Travis (Stefanie & Kade Ray) Sturgell of Paris, Illinois, Heath (Beth) Erwin of Springfield, Illinois, and Kayla (Jordon Keys) Erwin of Paris, Illinois; one great-grandchild, Riley Dawson, and three foster great-grandchildren, I'Yonna, Bentley and Briley.  Don was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Doris Marie Walters.

Don was a graduate of Paris High School where he played baseball, basketball, and ran track. He was employed at the U.O. Colson Company/The Colson Company for 45 years, being the final employee when the company closed, and was also a member of the Colson 20-Year Club, served on the Board of the U.O. & Ada G. Colson Foundation, and bowled in the Colson Bowling League in the 60's.  He also worked at Walt's Stamp Shop in Paris.  He was a member of the former Trinity United Methodist Church where he was President of the Men's Club and organized the annual Men's Club chili supper, sang in the choir, was a Trustee, a member of the Administrative Council, and was a Beacon Stuffer.  Don now was a member of New Beginnings Church of Paris where he was a founding member, and did much of the finishing work on the building, was a church Elder, and organized church volunteers to serve at the Lighthouse Mission in Terre Haute and ring the bell for the Salvation Army.  He was also one of the earliest members of the Paris Booster Club and was a member of the American Legion Post 211.  Don served in the United States Marine Corp. during the Korean War.

Don was lovingly known as the "energizer bunny", as he never let any grass grow under his feet as there was always work to be done. Whether he was tending to his own magnificent garden from which he loved to share his produce with his family and friends, helping remodel his daughters' and grandchildren's houses over the years, or doing work at the church, he was always happiest when keeping busy.  Don was also commonly known as the "World's Greatest Cubs Fan" and vowed not to leave this world without watching his beloved Cubs win the World Series!  He also loved watching the Fighting Illini and the Chicago Bears and spent hours during the winter working in his model train room.  Don loved all sports and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandson at their sporting events, rarely missing a ballgame, track/cross-country meet, or tennis match.  He also was a man of his word as he kept his promise to his wife that he would take her "home" to North Carolina every year to see her family, and he did so for 60 years.

Don was an amazing daddy, grandpa, and great-grandpappy, and was a friend to so many people who loved him dearly. He "adopted" many of his daughters and grandchildren's friends and treated them like family.  He was always willing to serve others and led by example of how to live a Christian life.  Don will truly be missed by those who loved him.

In Keeping with the Federal Mandates; the service is limited to immediate family only and a service will be held at a more appropriate time once the pandemic is over.

Military Honors by American Legion Post 211

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Beginnings Church of Paris, Illinois.

Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

For more information and online condolences please go to www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com