R. Alan Walters

R.  Alan Walters, 74, of London Mills, IL passed away Sunday, May 3, 2020, 1:47 p.m. at Graham Hospital, Canton, IL.  He was born Monday, March 4, 1946, in Table Grove, IL the son of Paul and Frances (Imel) Walters.  He married Marian (Mary) Sampson on June 9, 1968, at the United Methodist Church in London Mills, IL.

Alan is survived by his wife of 51 years; son Eric (Kristin) Walters of Centralia, MO.; daughter Michelle (Mark) Hitz of Bowen; five grandchildren: Kody Walters, Kylee Walters, Kaelyn Walters, Carter Hitz and Kayne Walters; one brother Larry (Joyce) Walters of Galesburg; two nephews Paul (Rachel) Walters, and Mark (Danielle) Walters; and special family members, Dusty (Jessica and Virgil) Emory.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother Lea Freeman Walters.

Alan graduated from Valley High School in Fairview, IL.  He attended and graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL.  He worked as the District Land Manager for CNX Land Resources Inc. for 44 years.  He managed over 300,000 acres in nine states.  In the 1980’s and 90’s he maintained the London Mills Little League ballpark serving as a coach, as well as mowing the park and running the concession stand.  Alan was a member of the American Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraiser for 36 years.  He served as a chairman of the Agriculture Conservation at Spoon River College, and as treasurer of the Spoon River Valley FFA Alumni Association.  He was a trustee for the London Mills Fire Dept. for 36 years.  Alan was a member of the London Mills United Methodist Church, and was a past treasurer of said church.  He loved taking his grandkids and their parents to Disney World and Branson for family vacations; attending livestock fairs while his children showed cattle and grandchildren showed sheep.  He also enjoyed going to ballgames and attending all their activities.  He was an avid mower.   Most of all he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Due to social distancing limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family graveside service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery with pastor Russell Rhodes officiating.  Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Walters, Scott Donaldson, Rodney Donaldson, Dusty Emory, Chad Terwilliger, Daniel Boyer, Mark Semande, and Jamey Bailey.  Memorials may be made to the London Mills United Methodist Church, or plants a tree in Memory through alivingtribute.org.  Please sign the online at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com.  Wise Family Funeral Home Roseville, IL is overseeing the arrangements.