Richard Walter

Richard C. (Dick) Walter was born to Forrest and Pauline Walter August 10 1920 in Akron. He graduated from Buchtel High School and the University of Akron where he belonged to Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the ROTC. Dick served as an officer in the Paratroopers of the 509th Battalion in WWII jumping in the south of France. He then joined the 82nd and 101st Airborne Division. Dick was awarded the Purple Heart. After the Army Dick worked at B.F. Goodrich O'Neil's Department Store and Fruehauf Trailer Company. Then he became owner of the Seth Minor Store on the circle in Copley. He tore down the old buildings and rebuilt them renaming the complex Dick Walter's Town 'N Country Store. Later he added eight acres and many buildings to accommodate motor homes trailers as well as his hardware and tractor businesses. As his recreational business grew he turned to family caravans all over the United States Canada Europe and Africa. As a former Eagle Scout Dick dedicated much time and service to the Explorer Scouts organization when he was in his thirties. He coordinated efforts with Fruehauf and volunteer tradesmen from Copley to build a special camping trailer for the Scouts allowing them to travel to Michigan California Alaska the Bahamas and Mexico. Dick was a member of the Copley Volunteer Fire Department. He encouraged all of his employees to donate their time to the department. The result was that whenever the siren sounded they would all leave and Dick would have to stay behind to keep the business open. Since retiring and until he became ill he continued to build and remodel the properties on what became known as ''Walterville''. He belonged to VFW Post 473 Fairlawn Country Club and Guardian Angels Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Mike Walter.He is survived by his wife of 59 years (2005 60 years) Betty (Ball) their four children eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. He had a very large space in his heart for all of them: Children - Ric and Mary Walter Copley OH; Donna Wolford Ponte Vedra Beach FL; Chris and Mike Cox Juno Beach FL; Penny and Tom Pickett Akron OH; Grandchildren - Marie Emily and Cammie Thomas Andrea Yanicky and Jennifer Elliott Ricky and Tyler; and Emory Thomas - great grandchild. The family extends their appreciation to Dick's private attendant Chuck Handel and thanks to all the care givers at Sunrise and to VNS/Hospice for their love devotion and compassion. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday December 16 2003 at 10:00 am at the Guardian Angels Catholic Church. Interment in the Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the Hummel Funeral Home WEST 3475 Copley Rd. on Monday December 15 2003 from 3-5 and 7-9. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Guardian Angels Meditation Garden or Alzheimer Assoc.