Randall L. Walter, 68, of Marion, died peacefully in the company of family at his home in Marion at 5:12 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022.

Born on April 21, 1954, at Luckey Hospital in Wolf Lake, Indiana, he was a son of the late Arthur W. and Netha A. (Martz) Walter. Growing up in the now Whitko school district, he graduated from Whitko High School in 1972. An accomplished athlete, he lettered all four years in Track, Baseball, and Basketball. He earned another letter in Cross Country. He was a member of the 1969 Larwill Trojans sectional basketball team. His athletic prowess caught the attention of the Kansas City Royals as he was invited to their academy school in Sarasota, FL. The U.S. military ended his professional baseball pursuit by drafting him in September 1972.

Serving with the U.S. Air Force, the Vietnam war had ended before his deployment. Remaining stateside, he obtained the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged on September 14, 1976.

Returning to the area, he went to work for Gatke in Warsaw for eight years, then Dana Corporation in Syracuse for over 20, retiring in 2006.

On January 22, 2005, he married Kim L. Evans. They made their home in Gas City, later moving to Marion.

Spending time with his family was always his priority. When the grandkids came along, he was always their biggest supporter at their sporting events. Throughout his life, either playing or watching baseball, basketball, or softball was a joy.  He was a great fan of NASCAR.

Surviving is his wife, Kim; children, Teri N. Read of Goshen, Marc R. (Brooke) Walter of South Whitley, step-children, Shauna R. (Dave) Lusher of Harlan, KY, Jonni R. (Matthew) Winegardner of Marion, and Micah J. (Julian) Parks of Charlotte, NC; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly Hatfield of Columbia City, Carol Rowland of TN; Margaret Kilgore of Columbia City, James (Liz) Walter of NM, Steve Walter of Columbia City. Frank (Cyndi) Walter of South Whitley, Tina (Joe) Kocher of Huntington; and his beloved dogs, KC Royal, Lily, and Romeo.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by brothers, Gerald and Gary Walter; a step-daughter, Lindsey Erb; and a granddaughter, Ellie Walter.

The funeral service is 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery, with the Korean War Honor Guard presenting honors.  Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.