Russell Walter

Russell “Rusty” Walter, 45, passed away on August 17, 2016 in Thatcher, Colorado. He was born on October 2, 1970 in La Junta, Colorado to Reuben A. & Patricia L. (Donegan) Walter.

Rusty lived his life on the family cattle ranch in southern Colorado. While on the ranch he modeled to his family the value of hard work and dedication, as well as his love for the land. He also loved to give back to youth and served on the Hoehne FFA Advisory committee and supported the local 4-H. Rusty was a kind and generous man, a true people person, and would give back to youth organizations any chance he got. Rusty treasured spending time with his family, and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his second grandson. When they weren’t working on the ranch he also loved to be outdoors and go fishing and horseback riding. He enjoyed watching rodeo, especially watching his son and other family members participate in various rodeo events. He always supported his family in all their different activities and endeavors. Rusty was also very involved in Freemasony. He was a member and Past Master of Trinidad Lodge #28, and also a Past Patron of the Eastern Star. Rusty also held various officer positions throughout all of the York Rite bodies and was a Knight’s Templar. He was a member of the Shriners as well as The Allied Masonic Degrees. Rusty was a good Christian man who had a great love for God and will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Rusty is survived by his wife Kendra of the Thatcher home; children, Ashely Walter of Trinidad; Kimberlee (Jim) Stinson of Rocky Ford; Jacob Walter and Robert Walter both of Thatcher; sisters, Sandra (Steve) Milenski of La Junta; Donna (Tim) Garrett of Walsenburg; grandchildren, Cecil Walter; and one on the way, Waylon Stinson; numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends and relatives also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the River of Life Church in Ordway with Pastor Gail Allen of the Cowboy Church officiating. Interment will follow at the Rocky Ford Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Peacock Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Rusty Walter Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o International Bank, 320 N. Convent St., Trinidad, CO, 81082 direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.