Walter D. Armer Jr.

1942 - 2024

"By Force and Valor" Born in Ft. Riley, KS on March 24, 1942, Walter D. Armer Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on May 10, 2024, to rejoin his wife, Lillian Armer. Wally graduated high school in the first graduating class at Rincon High School in 1960, where he served as Student Body President and played football. He continued his education at the University of Arizona, where he was an active member of the U of A ROTC program and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Following graduation, Wally was commissioned to the US Army in 1964, where he served two years on active duty followed by 28 years in the US Army Reserve, retiring in May 1994 with the rank of Colonel. During this time, he served as commander of the Eighth Battalion, 40th Armor Division of the US Army Reserve in Fort Huachuca. In 1987 Wally graduated from the US Army War College, after completing a rigorous multi-year program designed to develop senior leaders for military service at the highest strategic levels.

Upon leaving active military duty, Wally launched his civilian career, joining the firm founded by his father Walt Armer, Sr. as a Real Estate Broker and Appraiser, specializing in Farm and Ranch appraisals. As a Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) Wally appraised countless agricultural properties throughout Arizona and the greater Southwest. Wally was actively appraising properties up until the time of his death.

Wally's "cow habit" was in his genes as a member of the fourth generation of the family's ranching history in Arizona. Over the years, Wally and Lew were partners in several ranching operations in Southern Arizona including the Circle Bar Ranch and the Double X Ranch.

Through the years, Wally found time to serve the University of Arizona, specifically the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (CALES). He served on the Alumni Council Board of Directors, the UA Alumni Association and the UA Foundation boards and an extended term as president of the Ag 100 Council, an advisory group for CALES. He was honored to receive the Distinguished Citizen Award (1997), and the Bear Down Award (2004).

Wally's commitment to the agriculture industry included service on the boards of the Arizona Cattle Growers Association (including as president), the Agri-Business Council of Arizona, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

More broadly, Wally served the State of Arizona through his activities on the Arizona State Parks Board, The Commission on the Arizona Environment and Arizona Town Hall. His tenure on the State Parks Board included time as President during the creation of Kartchner Caverns State Park, an achievement he was particularly excited about.

Wally took his commitment to Agriculture into the social realm as well, serving as past president and board member of the Mountain Oyster Club in Tucson.

Wally was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Lillian Armer. Together they raised children Christy Berkbigler (Rick) and Walter Armer III, as well as grandchildren Madison Curry (Alex), Amber Belle Walker and Luke Walker and by great grandchildren Henry Patrick Curry and Simon Curry. Wally is also survived by his sister Cathy Armer Kobernik (Ron).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 2:00 - 5:00 at the Mountain Oyster Club, with Military Honors being presented at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (an organization he proudly supported).