Ronald Lewis Walters

Ronald Lewis Walters, 81, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at Capital Region Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was born November 9, 1936, in Santa Monica, California, the son of the late Lawrence John and Dorothy Gertrude (Hicks) Walters. A 1954 graduate of Sutton High School, he worked with his father who owned Walters Paint Store, on weekends and during the summers. He often hitchhiked 90 miles to attend college in Kearney, Nebraska. Ronald received a Bachelor's Degree from Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska and a Master's Degree in Education from University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was united in marriage on July 24, 1960, in Harvard, Nebraska to Jeanette Harriet Miller, who survives at the home. They met on a blind date when groups of boys would travel to surrounding towns and visit drive-in movie theaters and roller skating rinks. Ron and Jeanette fell in love and have enjoyed being together ever since. He served two years in the Nebraska National Guard, spending some time in Missouri. Ronald held various math and science teaching jobs in Nebraska, Iowa, and Florida, mostly instructing new math to college teachers. The family then moved to Missouri in 1964 as Ron accepted a job working for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. He retired on September 1, 2000, after working 36 years, starting as a Systems Analysis and later working as the Assistant Information Technology Director. He was fascinated how Information Technology moved from punched cards to personal computers, although not enough to be connected to the Internet, use Facebook, nor own a smart phone. He loved the outdoors whether he was gardening, cutting grass, spending time in the woods, or fixing things, he was in his element. Other joys included woodworking, World War II history, family genealogy, collecting antiques, history in general, and recently listening to finance talk radio host, Clark Howard, he often quoted him to his family and friends. In addition, he held a special place in his heart for animals of all kinds, he will be missed by his dog, Lucky, and two cats, Toby and Sasha. He enjoyed all of his neighbors, Stones, McClearys, Luebberts, Bruns, and especially the 45 year relationship with the Stegemans. Gene Stegeman and Ron will be walking and talking in heaven like they have for so many years. His greatest love, however, was to spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful, devoted husband, proud father and role model in the many lives he touched, to quote his first granddaughter, "He was the rock of our family". Survivors include: his wife of 57 years, Jeanette Walters; a daughter, Cheri (Ron) Landers, Holts Summit; twin sons, Todd (Julie) Walters, Lohman and Scott (Julie) Walters, St. Elizabeth; seven grandchildren, Amie Suttenfield, Megan Landers, Colin Walters, Kelly (Brent) Rackers, Jennifer (Tyler) Bax, Ashley Walters, and Emma Walters; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters and brother-in-law, Shirley Wach, Monroe, Georgia; and Linda (Bill) Silvey, Conyers, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Lawrence Wach. A private family memorial service will be at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Callaway Hills Animal Shelter, 2714 State Road TT, New Bloomfield, MO 65063. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home are in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.