WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
LaVerne L. Walters, age 82, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away, Thursday June 9, 2011, at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room.
He was born May 16, 1929, in Colon, Mich., a son to the late Lawrence and Doris (Sturges) Walters.
LaVerne graduated from Colon High School and has been a resident of the Sturgis area most of his life.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he learned and developed a love about small arms repair. That love continued after the army and he operated a gunsmith shop out of his home (Walter’s Gun Shop) for many years. He was also employed at Kirsch Company for 39 years, retiring in 1990.
He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Sturgis Conservation Club. He enjoyed camping, guns, dogs, playing slots at the Casino, and spending time with his family.
Surviving are one daughter, Constance Rose of Sturgis; two sons, Brent Walters and Brian Walters, both of Sturgis; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and his dog: Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bruce; two stillborn sisters, Margaret and Marjorie; and a cousin who was raised as a sister, Joan Thrams.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, at the Hackman Family Funeral Home – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Services celebrating the life of LaVerne L. Walters will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home with Rev. Floyd Kunce, officiating.
Interment and graveside services with full military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Capt. John J. Kelley V.F.W. Post #1355 will follow in South Colon Cemetery.
The family suggest memorial donations be directed to the Animal Rescue Fund, 20579 Roys Rd., Centreville, MI 49032.
