John Howard Walters

John Howard Walters, age 85, of rural Monmouth, Illinois; passed away quietly at his home on Saturday August 7, 2021 with his wife and family at his side. John was born on January 10,1936 in Seaton, Illinois, the son of John Miller and Lois Ruth Douglas Walters. John was raised in Kirkwood where he attended school and he graduated from Kirkwood High School. John then joined the United States Army in January of 1955 and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington until his honorable discharge in October of 1956. He then returned home to the farm. On December 25, 1954 John married Sybella Ann Saben (deceased in 1969). He then married Mary Elizabeth Adair on June 19, 1971 and in their 50 years of marriage they have raised seven children, all of whom are living. John farmed his entire life and loved every aspect of it. He was crop farmer and raised cattle, hogs, and sheep at different periods of his life. He was an avid reader, loved history, hunting and loved teasing his grandkids. A kid at heart, John made sure the farm was well stocked with the latest gadgets, trampolines, mini-bikes, go-carts, and ponies, which ensured at least one broken bone or visit to the emergency room each summer. John is a member of the Kirkwood United Methodist Church and it brought a smile to many as the family took up an entire row on Sunday mornings. Family members were comforted as John expressed being "right with the Lord", at the time of his passing. John is survived by his wife Mary of 50 years, his children, Susan Kim (Terry) Carrier of Kirkwood, Illinois, John Scott (Sherri) Walters of Gladstone, Illinois, Stacey Lee (Bill) Dutton of Kirkwood, Illinois, Carrie Ruth Walters of Little York, Illinois, Michael Howard (Tia) Walters of Kirkwood, Illinois, Cynthia Lynne (Kevin) Glisan of Larchland, Illinois, and James Robert (Tammy) Slater of Biggsville, Illinois. Other survivors include thirteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; sisters, Karen (Cleo) Dye and Laurie (Rex) Shaver. John is preceded in his death by his parents, brother Terrance Joe Walters, and one granddaughter, Ashley Livingston.  

As were John's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral, however there will be viewing time at Turnbull Funeral Home on August 10, 2021 Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. His family will not be present. A graveside service for family members only will be held at the Biggsville Township Cemetery on Wednesday August 11, 2021. Memorial funds are being established for St.Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR) and may be left at Turnbull Funeral Home.  

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