Robert Walters

Robert (Fred) Walters, age 85, of Franklin, NC, a loving, faithful husband and father, passed on to his eternal home with Jesus on March 16, 2008 at Angel Hospital Hospice. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio on December 24, 1922, son of the late Lee and Emma Kleiline Walters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, John H. and Herbert L. Walters. Fred entered the United States Army in February, 1943 with Co. A – 160th Engineer, C. Bn. He served in Normandy, France, Rhinela and Central Europe, receiving many decorations and citations, including the Purple Heart. Fred was a retired restaurant owner of two restaurants in Mansfield, Ohio before moving to Cape Coral where he owned and operated two more restaurants in Fort Myers/Cape Coral, Florida area, where he lived for 36 years before moving to Franklin, NC. Fred was a charter member of the Cape Coral First Baptist Church, helping to establish the church. He served faithfully as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Elder and Moderator and anywhere he was needed. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, baseball, and traveling with his family. He was a fast pitch softball pitcher with a team in the Army and played with many church leagues. Fred is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marjorie Perry Walters; two daughters, Sherry Smathers and her husband, Patrick, of Canton, NC and Bobbi Schroder and her husband, Leighton, of Roswell, GA; one son, Jeff Walters and his wife, Lanise, of Marshall, NC; two sisters, Vareta Walters Rebel of Mansfield, Ohio, and Leona Walters Schaus of Indiana. Fred also was the proud grandfather of seven. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Angel Hospice and Palliative Care, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734. Private funeral arrangements will be held with military honors. Wells Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Canton is in charge of the arrangements