Robert "Bob" Walter

1949 - 2024

Robert "Bob" Walter

May 1, 1949 - February 4, 2024

SHERIDAN - In Loving Memory of Robert "Bob" Walter. May 1, 1949 - February 4, 2024. With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Walter, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He passed away peacefully on February 4, 2024, surrounded by family at the Ruby Valley Hospital in Sheridan.

Bob was born to William and Irene Starysky Walter in Sheridan, Montana, where he later became a community pillar through his service and dedication to the family business. Bob's grandparents, Charles and Eleanor LeGris Walter, and then parents owned and operated the family store, Charles Walter Incorporated, currently named Walter's Family Foods and Ace Hardware, a family legacy since 1889. Bob learned the family business, working as a "box boy," butcher, bookkeeper, and co-owner of the family business.

Bob's life was one of service, adventure, and love. After graduating from Sheridan High School in 1967, he joined the Navy the following year. He served his country as a sonar technician during the Vietnam War on a wooden hull minesweeper in the rivers of Vietnam, assisting the South Vietnamese Navy.

Bob's heart found its match twice; first with Kathy Schwinck, with whom he welcomed his son Trevor, and later with Linda Pearson, alongside whom he embraced her children, Angie and Dale, as his own.

Bob's zest for life was evident in the breadth of his hobbies. It mirrored the diversity of his vibrant personality. He was an intrepid geocacher, an avid collector of sand and rocks, and a skillful fly fisherman. He enjoyed birding, metal detecting, and panning for gold in the hills and valleys from Arizona to California and Montana to Alaska. He also spent many hours tinkering with his son Dale on the old store truck, a 1949 Ford named "Old Yeller."

The skies were a second home to Bob as he piloted his Cessna 172 and later a Cessna 210, traversing the heavens with the same enthusiasm he brought to all his pursuits.

His adventurous spirit was not just confined to the air; it led him on many travels that included navigating the challenging Alaska Highway and immersing himself in the rich culture of Hong Kong while visiting his daughter Angie, tour guide extraordinaire.

Bob's quest for adventure was unquenchable, touching everyone he knew. Whether exploring the ocean's depths through scuba diving, carving through the snow on skis, venturing into the unknown in spelunking expeditions, or gazing up at the stars, he was always looking for his next escapade. His life served as a testament to the joys of exploration and discovery-both the physical and intellectual realms. Though Bob will be deeply missed, the legacy of his adventurous spirit will continue to inspire and influence all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A man of many talents, Bob's craftsmanship shone brightly as he built a home on Mill Creek, turning it into a sanctuary for himself and his beloved Linda. He was a man who loved learning and was always on the cusp of technology, eagerly sharing his knowledge with family and friends.

Bob's culinary adventures, particularly his love for vanilla ice cream, became a sweet nightly ritual shared with Linda. But his kids didn't get off so easily; they endured such experiments as peanut butter soup and vegan molasses balls.

Bob leaves a legacy of humor, intellect, generosity, and kindness. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Linda; his brothers: Tom Walter (Marilyn) and Ed Walter; his children: Angie Hatfield (Mark), Dale Pearson, and Trevor Walter (Kerry); and his grandchildren: Ashley (Brad), Garrett, Robert, Sam (Danielle), Ceranda; and his great-grandchildren: McKenzie and Ruby, with one more on the way.

A service to honor Bob's life will be held at the Sheridan Funeral Home on Thursday, February 15th at 1:00 PM, followed by graveside services with military honors at the Sheridan Cemetery. A luncheon will be provided at the Sheridan Senior Center after the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Bob's memory to the Sheridan Food Bank, Sheridan Senior Center, or the Sheridan American Legion Anderson Simpson Post 89.