Voyle M. Walters

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Voyle M. Walters, age 96, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away peacefully, Thursday morning, December 5, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, at The Lakes of Monclova. He was born October 15, 1917 in Swanton, Ohio to the late Albert R. and Narah (Harding) Walters. On July 23, 1940, he married his beloved wife, Melvene Miller.

Voyle served in the U.S. Army-116th Infantry during WWII and was awarded a citation for his part in the capture of 10 prisoners and 3 enemy anti-aircraft guns on June 8, 1944 in Normandy, France. He was also wounded in Normandy and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart.

As a young boy, Voyle worked on golf courses and after the War resumed working as a greens keeper, and eventually became Superintendent of Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Valleywood Golf Club in Swanton, and Hillcrest Golf Club in Findlay. Voyle was a jack-of-all-trades - building 5 houses during his lifetime even into his early seventies, piloting planes, and having a love for antique cars. Voyle and Melvene enjoyed ballroom dancing and traveling throughout Europe and out West.

In 1972, he and his wife bought the original Swanton Flower Shop and operated it as Walters Flowers until 1987, when it was sold to their daughter and son-in-law, Bob and Cheri Lovejoy. He continued to work there into his 80’s. Voyle was always unconditionally devoted to his children and grandchildren by helping them with home projects and caring for those who were ill. He was the constant pillar of our lives. Voyle remained very active up until the past year and a half of his life. He was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Swanton.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Nancy (David) Roberts and Cheri Lovejoy; son, Dave (Judy) Walters; grandchildren, Michael, Kelly, Jeff, Lynne, Rick, Stacey, Jennifer, and Robin; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Alexa, Kali, Kelsey, Jillian, Blake, Keaton, Cole, Alex, Nate, Brynn, Ben, and soon to arrive Baby Boy; twin sister, Violet Barnes; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, Melvene, Voyle was preceded in death by his parents; son, Terry Walters; daughter-in-law, Norma Walters; son-in-law, Bob Lovejoy; and brothers, Ray, Ross, Harley, and infant sibling.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 8th from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton. Visitation will continue Monday, December 9th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, where funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor JT Bean officiating. Interment will follow at Amboy Township Cemetery.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at The Lakes of Monclova for going above and beyond providing exceptional care and compassion to Voyle. Thank you also to Waterville Family Physicians, Gentiva Hospice and the Swanton Rescue Personnel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Swanton Rescue Unit.

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Sunday, December 8th from 1 to 5 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Funeral Services: Monday, December 9th at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church

Interment: Amboy Township Cemetery