Donald "Paps" Boyd Walters, Sr.

Donald "Paps" Boyd Walters, Sr., was born June 12, 1924 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Charles Robert Walter and Henrietta Gertrude Welch (an 1860's Arizona pioneer family). He grew up on his father's ranch on the North rim of the Grand Canyon. Don was Homecoming King at Prescott High, where he excelled in both sports and academics. He led his varsity football team to a State Championship and played Quarterback for the State All Star Team. Don proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a B-17 pilot during World War II. He was stationed at Andrew's Air Force Base in Washington D.C., and flew missions out of England. After the war, he returned to Arizona with his wife Harty Walker and purchased the Verde Valley-Sedona Holsum Bread Agency. Don's dedication, happy disposition and ready smile earned him the love and respect of his customers and friends. His strong connection to the community led him to be a long-time leader of the Sheriff's Posse Search and Rescue Team. Don worked at the Phoenix Cement Plant in Clarkdale, Arizona from 1970-1990, upon which time he took his retirement. In 1977, Don married Barbara Kerr, and together, they enjoyed a long and happy marriage. His later years were spent enjoying the things he truly loved; his family, friends, and the great outdoors. He cherished time spent at his cabin in Flagstaff; his passion was hunting, and he was an avid sports fan. Don was a cowboy at heart. His quick wit and devilish sense of humor will be deeply missed by so many. He is preceded in death by his step-daughter, ReNell Medley; and he is survived by his wife, Barbara Walters; his children, Cheri Walters of Olympia, Washington, Cynthia Walters of Monticello, Utah, Don Walters, Jr. with his wife Marci of Flagstaff, Arizona, Randy Walters with his wife Jessie of Clarkdale, and Jack Boast with his wife Anna of Cottonwood, Arizona; his step-son, Russell Kerr of Cottonwood, Arizona; grandchildren, Rudy, Tahalita, Brandon, Desiree, Alexcis, Adriana, Jarod, Jonathan, Cierra, Nathaniel and Mathew; as well as 11 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Ave., in Cottonwood, Arizona on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Arizona Elk Society, P.O. Box 18061, Phoenix, Arizona 85005. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com