NED H. WALTERS
Ned H. Walters, Jr, 71, resident of Norwich, earned his angel wings on Sunday, January 24th, 2016.
Ned was born on Feb. 23, 1944 in Nevada, Iowa to Ned H. Walters Sr. and Margaret M. Walters. His love for life and adventure started early on. While school aged in Upper Arlington, Ohio his best times were spent enjoying the outdoors. He loved sneaking down to the creek to go fishing and swimming. Unknown to many, Ned was an accomplished figure skater and competitive water-skier. In addition to playing football and wrestling, Ned enjoyed spending summers on the farm in Iowa with his Aunt Ann and Uncle Francis. He also found his love of hillclimb, flat track, and short track motorcycle racing. Ned was the 6-time Ohio State Trials Champion. Racing was in his blood as he inherited his love for racing from his father, Ned Sr.
Upon graduating from Upper Arlington, Ned joined the Air Force, which ultimately led him to New York. Ned was an avid outdoorsman, at the time that he met the love of his life. He married Lorraine Crout on September 22, 1973 and they shared the next 42 years with many wonderful times.
Ned and Lorraine moved to Norwich early in their married life where Ned began his career of being a mechanic. Over the course of the next 40 years, Ned repaired and serviced vehicles at Norwich Tire and Christman Motors. Ned was known for helping anyone in a time of need. Ned's wonderful sense of humor was enjoyed by many. He loved to tell stories and make people laugh. He cherished every moment he had with family and friends. Many would agree, Ned was one of kind!
Ned's hobbies included snowmobile racing, bowling, snow plowing, fishing and hunting. Ned handled McKelvey's Banjo when they won the 1987 Autumn Oaks National Grand Night Championship for Midnight Kennels. In recent years, Ned passed the torch of motorcycle racing as enjoyed being crew chief for his son, Brian.
Ned is survived by his wife, Lorraine Walters of Norwich, daughter Dawn (Scott) Manley, of Chouteau, OK; son Brian Walters of Norwich; sister Ann (Dale) Lance of Inola, OK; brother Dave (Karen) Walters of Traverse City, MI. Ned is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Sierra Manley of Oklahoma, his niece Stacey(Craig) Lindsey and family of Derby, KS; nephew David (Tina) Walters and family of Missouri, several cousins, and many wonderful friends.
Ned was predeceased by his parents, Ned H. Walters Sr and Margaret M. Walters; several aunts and uncles, and his dear friend, Mark Flanagan.
Calling hours will be Friday, February 5th, 2016, from 2-4 pm and 5-8 pm, at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer.