Kevin Walters

Walters, Kevin Edward, age 70 of Holly, MI, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving and devoted wife, Gwen, and their three cats, Minnie, Marnie and Binx, by his side. Kevin was born in Goodrich, MI on October 9, 1954 to William G. and Joyce M. (Mereness) Walters. He grew up in Davisburg, MI alongside his four siblings. He attended Davisburg schools during his early years. He would later go on to attend Holly High School where he was the President of the Class of 1972 and enjoyed playing golf and football. After high school, he headed off to college where he attended The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and graduated from Walsh College in Troy. This education helped Kevin secure a position as a paint technician at PPG. He worked there for 25 years. Later on, Kevin enjoyed organizing his high school reunions with help from his classmates. The last one he attended, he got up dressed as Alice Cooper and belted out the unofficial class song, "I'm Eighteen", much to the delight of his fellow classmates that had attended that 50th class reunion. A fellow classmate summed it up nicely, "I know most members of HHS Class of 1972 regarded him as the heart and soul of our group"!
Kevin lived on Fish Lake in Holly for 45 years. He was joined by his wife, Gwen, after their marriage on March 1, 1992; that was officiated by his brother, Bill, and his mother, Joyce, who served as his best woman. He often threw, along with Gwen's help, some of the best parties on Fish Lake! Kevin would play host to many a euchre party, tiki party (down by the lake where he built their Tiki Hut), Christmas and graduation parties. Some of his fancier soirees were the wine tasting events; often featuring their personal wine representative, Brian Osuch, who gave Kevin's guests an opportunity to purchase wine for their personal collection. But what he really enjoyed and looked forward to were the countless super-bowl/poker parties he hosted for his brothers and close friends. Those were a hit and the most special to Kevin. A long-time friend of Kevin's said that he had a way about him to bring together so many people that just made his gatherings so memorable. He also touched the lives of so many people. One such person was a niece who said that Kevin gave her his own wedding advice of "Always remain friends first". Her and her now husband was so touched by that piece of advice, they chose to have that inscribed on their wedding rings. He also gave of himself and enjoyed writing articles for The Holly Kiwanis Club and hand delivering baskets to families at the holidays.
Kevin did not want a funeral service. He instead chose to throw one last hurrah, his own living wake, which was held at the Holly Moose Lodge #1168. He wanted to be able to enjoy the company of his wonderful family, good friends, neighbors, former work colleagues and fellow classmates one last time before he became too sick. He even handed out special bottles of wine from his own collection in hopes that they would pop the cork and raise a glass and toast him after he left this earth. Thank you, Commodore Kevin, for ringing that ship's bell one last time!
Gwen would like to thank some very special friends who were always there by Kevin's side: Dave and Linda O'Bryan, Kay Viney and Mike Langley, Pete Tianen, Norm and Lois Martin, John and Susan Fisher and Dan and Karen Emmitt. She gives special thanks to the Trinity Health Hospice Staff and Mr. Gordie Dryer of Dryer Funeral Home in Holly for their utmost care and compassion during this most difficult time.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a graveside service at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in Kevin's memory, it can be made to Adopt-a-Pet in Fenton, MI; Holly Moose Lodge #1168 or The Holly Kiwanis Club.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Gwen Walters, sister, Julie Hughes, brothers Bill (Robin) Walters and Quent (Penny) Walters, a bunch of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and a host of cousins. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Joyce Walters and his brother, Dave Walters.
"Grief, I've learned, is really just love. It's all the love you want to give but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest." by Jamie Anderson.