Clarence E. Walter

Clarence “Charlie” Walter, 85, of Grand Ridge, died Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Ottawa OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. He was born December 2, 1937, the third child of Arthur and Edna (Schobert) Walter.  He attended school in Grand Ridge and then Ottawa High School before entering the University of Illinois where he was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity and Alpha Zeta national honorary society, earning a bachelor degree in general agriculture. He met Betty Barton of Tonica on a blind date and that, as the saying goes, was that. They married in 1959 and after he graduated, they moved to Grand Ridge where he worked for the Arthur Walter Seed Company until he started farming and raising livestock with his brothers. He farmed with them and then a son until retirement, after which he and Betty could be found traveling and spending winters in Texas, but could never stay too far away from farming. He and Betty enjoyed a long life together, losing her in 2020 after nearly 61 years of marriage.

They had three children: David, and his wife Laurie, of Grand Ridge; Karol (David Hughes) of Knoxville, TN; and Geoff, and his wife Carol, of Olathe, KS. He was proud of his grandchildren: Katie (Ryan Krol), Luke (Elicia), Braden (Jaley), Greg, and Abby. And enjoyed seeing his great-grandchildren grow: Jace, Grant, Grayson, and Louella.

Clarence is survived by five siblings: Harold, Ruth Ann (Cramer), Alan, Doris (Mattison), and Merle. Two siblings, Glen and Gail (Bohannon), preceded him in death.

Clarence was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church in Grand Ridge where he filled many roles over the years in leadership and teaching. He loved reading about history, coaching and watching his children’s sports teams, rarely missing a home or away game or their many band and choir concerts.

The funeral service will be Friday, July 21 at 11:00 at the Grand Ridge United Methodist Church with visitation starting two hours prior to the service.

Memorials can be made to Grand Ridge United Methodist Church or the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.

The Grand Ridge Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.