John J. Walter of Point Pleasant, Pa., passed away peacefully in the early morning on March 13, 2023 at his home on the river in Point Pleasant. He was 87 years old.
John was born, raised, and lived his entire life in Point Pleasant. He and his wife E. Dolores Walter (better known as Dee) met in 1954, married in 1957, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last August. John and Dee have three sons: J. Seth Walter and wife Karen, James C. Walter and wife Jennifer, and Jason W. “Buck” Walter and fiancé Dr. Steve Quinn.
He was the son of the late John Willis Walter Jr. and Edith Kugler of Point Pleasant, Pa. Brother of Joan Davis and Craig A. Walter and wife Natalie. John was the patriarch of the Walter family, the seventh generation of Walter men in Tinicum Township, Bucks County, leaving behind many descendants to carry on his family line. In addition to his wife and sons, Pop is survived by his four grandchildren, their spouses, three great-granddaughters and many generations of nieces and nephews.
John is also survived by Fred, his well-loved cat, and constant companion.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his much-loved sister, Sharon Wiley, his infant grandson James Walter, his son-in-law Jason Kazor, his brothers-in-law Ronald Davis and Harry Templeton, and his sisters-in-law Dorothy Walter and Elaine Walter.
John received his primary education at the Uhlerstown School, a one-room schoolhouse in Tinicum Township, Bucks County, Pa. After eighth grade he went to high school in Frenchtown, N.J.
He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea on the DMZ serving as a communications specialist with the 8th Engineer Battalion. When he returned home from the Army he went back to work for his father at Walter’s Nursery. When his father retired, John and his brother, Craig took over the family business for many years, before retiring in 1997 and turning it over to his sons.
John was an avid sportsman. He was a lifelong member of the Point Pleasant Rod and Gun Club, a club established by his father and friends in the 1930s when they built a hunting cabin “Pointers Lodge” in Potter County, Pa. John also traveled to Maine, Quebec and the Adirondack Mountains with his father hunting. He hunted with his sons in West Virginia for many years. But his favorite destination was Augusta, Mont., where he hunted and vacationed with his best friend, Don Roberson.
John and Dee enjoyed traveling to their cabins in Potter County, Pa., and West Virginia, as well as the beach, and national parks across the country. He found great enjoyment in car shopping (or at least window-shopping) for new Fords. Through the years he followed stock car racing. Tending to his yard and keeping geese off his lawn became an art form for John.
John was a lifelong member of the Point Pleasant Fire Company and Point Pleasant Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee for many years.
John’s wonderful wit and personality attracted so many to him. He could tell a story and turn a phrase. He had a colorful line for any situation. As “The Mayor of Point Pleasant,” he presided over the town from his table at the Village Store, where everyone gathered for breakfast and coffee. Just about everyone who met John, liked him. He knew how to make and keep friends. He and Dee made a great pair. In the last months of his life, he told his oncologist, “All I want to do is enjoy my family, chew tobacco, drink coffee, and go out to breakfast with my friends.” And he did.
Relatives and friends are invited to John’s memorial service at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 23 at Point Pleasant Baptist Church, 35 River Road, Point Pleasant where the family will greet guests from 10 a.m., until the time of the service. The family will greet guests from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 22 at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown.
Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to: Point Pleasant Baptist Church, P.O. Box 218, Point Pleasant, PA 18950.
Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, Doylestown
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