Richard Walter, age 76, passed away at Rawlins County Health Center on May 24, 2023 after a long struggle with cancer.
Richard was born to Russell H. and Mabel L. (Powell) Walter on March 18, 1947 at the Stratton Hospital. He was one of two children.
He grew up on the family farm south of Stratton and attended and graduated from Stratton Public School in 1967. After graduation, Rich attended Wesleyan University and McCook Community College. On February 23, 1969, Rich married Penney L. Real in McCook, Nebraska. They moved to St. Francis, Kansas where they were blessed with two children. Richard worked for Kansas-Nebraska Gas Company for six years. They then moved to the family farm south of Stratton after his parents retired, where they farmed and ranched for over 40 years. Their son, Brad, took over the farm until he passed away on January 28, 2020.
Rich enjoyed turkey and deer hunting with his son and grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about handling guns and archery. He served on the 4-H Council while his children were in 4-H. They were active in showing calves at the county fair. As his children grew, Rich taught Hunter Safety for several years. Rich’s dogs were also very special to him. Rich served on several committees at the Methodist Church in Stratton. He enjoyed being a liturgist and always had to add a *little extra* to the liturgy. Rich loved his Lord and Savior and read the Bible daily.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Bradley Walter.
Those left to celebrate his life are his wife, Penney Walter of Stratton; brother, Kenneth (Cheryl) Walter of Brandon, SD; daughter, Trina (Shawn) Winters of McCook, daughter in law, Laura Walter of McCook; grandchildren Lakken and Skyler Winters, Jarett, Kennedy and Cole Walter; and three great grandchildren, Kiefer, Myles and Stella.
Cremation was chosen and memorial services will be at Memorial Methodist Church in McCook at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, with Pastor Jeff Kelly officiating. A private family inurnment will be at a future date.
Memorials may be given to the National Turkey Federation or the Stratton Community Foundation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.