Robert 'Bob' Walters

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert "Bob" Walters, 84, of rural Omaha, died Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Newburgh, Ind.

Bob was born in Norris City on Sept. 7, 1925, to R.M. and Lora Walters. He was a retired farmer and lifetime resident of southern Illinois. Bob was a devoted member of New Hope General Baptist Church and served as church treasurer for 30 years. His lifetime commitment to serving his state and community was evidenced by his active involvement in: Ridgway Lions Club, including service as president; 50-year member of Ridgway Masonic Lodge; past member and president of the Ridgway School Board; member and past president of the Illinois Health Improvement Association; past member and president of Gallatin White Water District Board; and past Welborn Hospital Board Member.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Williams Walters; son, Jeffrey Robert Walters; grandson, William Ashton Walters; sisters, Ruby Varner and Louise Stovall; and nephew, Ray Varner.

Bob is survived by special and beloved friend Patsy Edwards; his daughters, Nina (Vincent) Buckman, Bonnie (Terry) Thompson and Lynn (Kurt) Youngman; and son, Douglas (Karen) Walters; 11 grandchildren, Maggie, Aaron and Isaac Walters, Madison, Kelsie, and McKenna Youngman, Terri Lynn (Scott) Henderson and Mollie (Bob) Gulino, Todd, Beth and Caroline Buckman; seven great-grandchildren, Seth, Ethan, Grace and Anna Henderson, Sophie, Shea and Skyler Gulino; nephew, Chuck (Judy) Varner and several great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 2010, at Vickery Funeral Home in Ridgway with Masonic rites at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2010, at the New Hope General Baptist Church near Ridgway. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope General Baptist Church or VNA Hospice Eldorado. Internet condolences may be sent at the website www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.