Sunday, September 27, 2009

A tribute to my Dad


Loren Emil Walter Aug 11, 1940-Sept 19, 2009
Life time Durango resident Loren Emil Walter passed away at his home after an extended illness with lymphoma, on Saturday September 19, 2009.

Loren was born to Charles and Carrie Walter in Durango on August 11, 1940. He graduated from Durango High School in 1959.

After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and was stationed in Maine, USA and Tripoli, Libya in Africa. He served on the Air Force Bases as a Military police officer, and played football for the Air Force in Tripoli in his spare time.

After his tour of duty in the Air Force he returned to Durango and went to work with his father, Charles Walter, owner of the E & W Conoco Station at 19th and Main Ave.

Loren was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 2, 1964. He married Sheila Moss on August 14, 1964. They were sealed in the Manti, Utah temple on August 14, 1965. They made their home in Durango for the next 45 years.

Loren worked with his father from 1964 to 1974 at the E & W Conoco. When his father retired in 1974 Loren became the owner and managed the station until 1982 when his lease was cancelled. From 1982 to 1989 Loren owned and operated the 8th street Shell station. He then went to work for Neilson Construction Co. for a short time as an oiler. He then worked as a mechanic and oiler for Jerry Lucas at Melco Construction. In the fall of 2002 he went to work for Bobby Rathjen at Rathjen Construction until his retirement in June of 2008.

Loren was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint, and served as a Sunday School President, In the Stake Sunday School Presidency, Executive Secretary, Counselor in the Bishopric, High Counselor, and on the Church cleaning committee.

Loren loved the out doors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Fly fishing was his passion He taught his children and grandchildren to fish. Loren was not one to sit still. He took pride in caring for his home, yard and garden. He became involved with his children during their years in 4-H and would help them with their animal projects. He was also a great support in their athletic endeavors. He loved to hear what and how his grandchildren were doing. He loved being with his children and taught them many life long skills.

Loren is survived by his wife of 45 years , Sheila Walter of Durango; his children Neysa Rummler (Kevin) of Cypress CA Nicholas Loren Walter (Stephanie) of Corona, CA; Keysha Stutz (Doug) of Rexburg ID; and Kendra Coffey (Jim) of North Las Vegas, NV. Brothers Richard Walter of Dolores, Co; Denny Walter of Sonora, CA; Larry Walter of Durango, Co; sisters Paula Fuller of Boise, ID; Dorothy Smith of San Luis Obispo, CA; Caroline Mortan of Phoenix, AZ; 17 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and in-laws.

There will be a viewing at Hood Mortuary in his honor on Thursday September 24, 2009 at 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Funeral services will take place on Friday September 25th 2009 at 11:00am at L.D.S. Church, 2 Hill top Circle in Durango Colo.
Interment will be held the same day following the funeral service at Green Mount Cemetery.


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