Walter R. King, age 76, of Silver Lake, passed away at Lutheran Hospital on May 13, 2023, just after

Walter R. King

midnight.

Born in Peoria, Ill., on July 6, 1946, Walter was the son of Louis R. King and Vera L. (Pierce) King, both of whom preceded him in passing. He spent his formative years in the Peoria area, graduating from Manual High School and later from Illinois Community College.

Walter learned the value of hard work at an early age. He spent much of his working career as a core room supervisor, first for Caterpillar and later for Dalton Foundry. He also spent several years as a consultant with Ashland Chemical.

Walter was an outgoing person who rarely knew a stranger. He was quite handy, able to fix most anything. He was also a giving person, the type of person who would give the shirt off his back to help another. More than anything, Walter was a family man; he loved his wife and children and adored his grandchildren. He often said, “If I knew grandchildren were this great, I would’ve had them first!”

Walter was a proud patriot and an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam era and was a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. He met the love of his life, Silvia, while stationed in Germany. The pair married on June 3, 1967, and shared nearly 56 years together before his passing.

In addition to his wife, Silvia King, of Silver Lake, those who survive include three children, Silke (John) Stein, of Louisburg, N.C., Regina (Kevin) Gates. of Warsaw, and Troy (Courtney) King; five grandchildren, Joshua Stein and Madison Stein of Louisburg, N.C., and Paige, Sydney and Hanna King, of Warsaw; and brother, Dewey (Judy) King, of Elmwood, Ill.

Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw is entrusted with care of Walter and the King family. The family is celebrating Walter’s life in a private gathering. To leave a condolence, visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com.

Memorials are appreciated to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.