John Walter

Obituary for Sunday April 29, 2018

John Walter

MANSFIELD: John Walter never dreamed for success. Instead, he worked for it. Intelligent, humble and kind, best describe his character. Recently John stated, "I have been fortunate to reach all of my life goals". An American patriot, humble leader, intelligent businessman, and gracious husband, father and brother, John's positive influence naturally put those around him at ease.

John Walter, 85, of Mansfield passed away Friday morning April 27, 2018 in the emergency department at OhioHealth Hospital Mansfield.

John was born April 24, 1933 in Mansfield the son of John and Margaret (Etz) Walter. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1951.

John served in the Air National Guard 164th Tactical Fighter Squadron and the US Air Force as a pilot. While a young man in the service, John wrote a note to his mother stating his goal of one day working for Gorman Rupp.

John first worked for Peabody Barnes for two years before taking a position at Gorman Rupp. A meticulous engineer, John was promoted to Plant Manager of Gorman Rupp Industries. Years later, following decades of hard work John earned the title of President and CEO for Gorman Rupp. John retired after 38 years with the company. For the following 10 years he served on the Board of Directors.

John was a member of the Caterpillar Club, successfully and safely deploying his parachute following a mid-air plane crash. John was an NRA Benefactor Life Member, Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association, Chippewa Rifle Club, and NRA Golden Eagles Member. He enjoyed shooting and participated in small bore and bench rest shooting competitions.

He enjoyed photography, especially taking pictures of nature and wild life. He repaired pocket watches and clocks. He'd sail on Charles Mill Lake and boat on Lake Erie with his family. He was a member of All Souls Universalist Unitarian Church.

John is survived by his wife Barbara Walter; daughter Amy (John) Johnston; brother Ted Walter and sister Susan Walter; step children Clark (Deanna) Cutlip and Mark (Maria) Cutlip; step grandchildren Mark Cutlip, Jr. (Kristin), Brianna Cutlip, Johnathon Cutlip, Alexis (Zach) Bevins, Grace Cutlip; step great grandchildren Thomas and Charlie Cutlip and Bailey and Vincent Bevins.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife Evelyn Walter.

His family will receive friends Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 5 pm - 8 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the funeral home Wednesday from 10am-11am where funeral services will begin at 11am. Burial with military honors will follow in Bellville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the John A. and Barbara B. Walter Endowed Fellowship (for students in Ashland University's Master of Arts in American History and Government) may be made through the funeral home.

To view John's tribute video or to leave his family a message of condolence please visit:SnyderFuneralHomes.com