Thomas Walter Obituary

Thomas Arthur Walter, 71, Walkerton, passed away with his wife by his side on Saturday, March 1, 2025, after a sudden diagnosis of advanced stage metastatic melanoma cancer.

He was born Oct. 24, 1953, in Rensselaer, to Robert and Tennis (Deardurff) Walter. On Aug. 18, 1973, he married Debra (Woodruff) Walter at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Rensselaer. They were married for 51 years; had four children, 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Tom graduated salutatorian from Rensselaer High School in 1971. He graduated from Purdue University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Walkerton and an active member of the Knights of Columbus #5709. Tom and his father were both recipients of the American Legion Citizenship Award. Tom was an active member and supporter of the Town of Walkerton and John Glenn School Corporation. His career at Larson-Danielson Construction Co., Inc. spanned 47 years, starting as professional engineer and retiring as Vice-President. He was also an active hobby farmer. Tom loved to follow Purdue sports and was a true Boilermaker. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed adventures including White Water Rafting.

In his later years, he enjoyed traveling the world with his beautiful wife. Tom enjoyed Saturday morning breakfasts with his friends. He had an infectious laugh that others loved. Tom was a friendly and welcoming man who was loved by many. He was a devoted family man who was actively involved in all of their lives. Tom had an incredible impact on many lives. He had a way of mentoring others and being a father figure to many. He used his knowledge and resources to serve as a devoted pillar of his community, workplace, and most importantly his family. One of Tom's proudest accomplishments was the Hoosier Homestead Farm Sesquicentennial Award for the original Walter Homestead in Rensselaer, marking 150 years of continuous Walter family ownership. He spent much of his later years maintaining his farm and participating in the USDA's Wetland Reserve Program.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Michael (Ashley) Walter, Dan (Erica) Walter, Cassie (TJ) Phelan, and Stacy (Scott) Banks; grandchildren, Brendan Walter, Kyle Banks, Tylar Walter, Hunter Banks, Hannah Banks, Isabel Kogiones, Kirstin Banks, Delilah Phelan, Simone Walter, Isla Walter, Charlie Phelan, Corinna Walter, Sienna Walter, and Bella Walter; great-grandson, Jaydon Banks; and siblings, Bob Walter, Russ (Laury) Walter, and MaryAnn (Ron) Stockberger.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, brothers, Paul Allen Walter and Harold Walter; sister, Helen Jean Walter; and grandson, Alexander Walter.

Viewing will be Monday, March 10 from 5 – 7 p.m. EST at Rannells Funeral Home in Koontz Lake Chapel with reciting of the Rosary at 7 p.m. EST. Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. EST at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Walkerton.

Private burial following at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Rensselaer.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Bernard Westhues Scholarship Fund, c/o Knights of Columbus #5709, 807 Tyler Street, Walkerton, Ind., 46574.