Walter Earl King, age 91, resident of Waterford and originally from McLane in Edinboro, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Independence Court in Erie. He was born September 8, 1924, one of eight children of John and Alice Compton King.
?? Walter grew up in McLane and graduated from Edinboro Schools. He then entered the United States Army Air Corps and served in Germany during World War II. Walter was a hard worker, and spent most of his years working in an iron foundry, retiring in 1991 from Fairview Castings. He loved the outdoors and working in the woods, and was cutting firewood until his age of 90. He enjoyed making maple syrup and was proud that he built his own house for his family. Walter had a great sense of responsibility and loved his family, evidenced by the love and care he gave to his late wife and his widowed sisters.
Walter’s wife, Anna Marie Delfft, preceded him in death in 1994, and he was also preceded by a grandson, Adam Neiswonger, and four siblings- Gordon, Iva, Anna, and Red.
?? His surviving family includes three daughters- Gloria O’Handley, Jan Russell, and Judy Fink and husband Dennis, all of Waterford, and a son, Tom King and his husband Alan of Dallas, TX; four grandchildren- April, Doug, Heather, and Roxanne; ten great-grandchildren; and three siblings- Elma Dascanio, Jessie Huber, and Roger King and his wife Mary.
Friends may visit with the family at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at which time a memorial service with military honors will be observed. Burial will be in Erie County Memorial Gardens.
Goodbye Uncle Walter you are soaring on wings of freedom now, no more pain, no fear, no sorrow. I’m sorry we didn’t visit again sooner. Thank you for the Maple Syrup, thank you for the time you had us all tromp through the woods to see the beaver’s dam, I haven’t forgotten that amazing adventure from when I was young and it still makes me smile. Love from Alyce
Judy, Linda and I are sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. You are in our prayers.
To Gloria and family:
I wish to send my deepest condolences in the loss of your father. I send all my prayers for you to get thru this tragedy.
Love always
Robert A Kempf
bakempf@msn.com