Leo Walter, Jr.

Leo Gustave Walter, Jr, 86, passed away Friday, April 20 in Akron at hospice surrounded by his loving family. He founded Stagecoach Antiques on West Market Street in Akron 75-years ago this month. He earned a purple heart for his service to the country during the Korean War. Leo is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Mary Kay, and their five children, 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. His children and their spouses are: Leo III (Mary Ann), Ted (Barb), Eileen Moats, (Eric), Sean (Theresa) all of Akron, and son Frank (Michael) of Washington, D.C. He is also survived by sister, Anne Morgan, of Akron, and brother and sister-in-law, Fritz and Ruthann Eder, of Houston. His grandchildren and their children are: Julie Stumm (Jack) and Owen, Mallory, Jane, and Andrew; Colleen Rudgers (J.R.) and Vivian and Lillian; Leo IV (Hannah), Cory (Kristen) and Mia and Madelyn; Jillian Mason (Bryce) and Eloise and Isabelle; Olivia, Natalie, Bradley, Jessica Chew (Chris), Heidi Tripp, (Aaron) and Liam and Charlotte; David Moats (Caleigh) and Evelyn; Patrick, Scott, Cecelia, Jason and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Margaret Walter, siblings Edward, Gene, Don, Richard, Mary, Mildred, Betty, and Jane (Sister Peter Claver, SND). From an early age, Leo developed a passion for collecting and selling antiques. He started his first antique shop in his mother's basement when he was just 12 years old. After completing his service in the U.S. Army, he opened Stagecoach Antiques while also working for his father's Carlton Supply Company for ten years in Akron. He thoroughly enjoyed running Stagecoach and the more than 20 years he worked alongside his daughter, Eileen, at the shop, which she now manages and owns. He pioneered estate sales in Akron and conducted sales for many prominent Akron families, including John S. Knight. During his lifetime, Stagecoach Antiques attracted many visiting celebrities from the entertainment world and props from his shop were purchased for use on the set of Shawshank Redemption. Akron's Black Keys and other musicians shot music videos at Stagecoach Antiques. He was active in the Akron community, serving in the Akron Host Lions Club for decades, helping lead their flea market. He was past president of the East Akron Board of Trade, a member of the St. Vincent Holy Name Society, a parishioner of St. Vincent DePaul Church and Visitation of Mary Catholic Church. He was a proud graduate of St. Vincent High School (V50) and a generous donor to St Vincent-St. Mary High School. He and his siblings established a family Scholarship at St Vincent-St. Mary High School in memory of their parents Leo and Margaret Walter. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Akron on Wednesday, April 25 at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be held at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School at 15 N. Maple Street in Akron on Tuesday, April 24 from 4:30-8 p.m. Private family interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Condolence donations may be made to the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Foundation, Leo & Margaret Walter Scholarship Fund, 15 N. Maple St., Akron, Ohio, 44303 or St. Vincent de Paul Church at 164 West Market St, Akron, Ohio, 44303.