Walter Lee Bernaix

Walter Lee Bernaix, 84, Marion, passed away at 10:24 pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Heritage Pointe in Warren.

He was born in Granite City, Illinois, on Thursday, February 19, 1942, to James and Irma (Hodschire) Bernaix. On June 24, 1961, he married Nancy L Doolittle and she survives.

Walter graduated from Granite City High School and was a member of Center Chapel Church. He worked as a Pattern Maker for 22 years with General Motors in Marion, he also worked for Bahr Bros. in Marion. Walter enjoyed playing golf, mowing his lawn, and riding his bike on the trails. He loved to travel to Hawaii in the winters with his wife and did so for over 20 years. He had built a full model train layout of his hometown of Granite City, IL, including the A&W Root Beer stand where he met his beloved wife, Nancy. He always used nickel plate trains in his layouts. Walter will be remembered as a hard-working, soft-spoken, and family-oriented man who was dedicated to those closest to him.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy L Bernaix of Marion; son, Jeffery (Kathryn) Bernaix of Marion; daughter, Karen (Richard) Bailey of Warren; grandchildren, Adam (Jennifer) Bernaix, Matthew (Emily) Bernaix, Nicholas (Hannah) Bailey, Jayson (Sydney) Bailey, Allyson Bailey; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Wesley (Zora) Doolittle, Mark (Cheryl) Doolittle; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Irma Bernaix; brothers, James Bernaix, Don Bernaix, Carl Bernaix, Leonard Bernaix; and sister, Doris Treaster.

The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St, Gas City, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Walter's life will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will take place at Van Buren Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Heritage Pointe of Warren, 801 N. Huntington Ave., Warren, IN, 46792.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.