Randy Walters

Randall "Randy" E. Walters, 73, of West Peoria passed away, surrounded by the family he loved so much, on Friday, March 8, 2019. 

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 23, 1945, to Anne S. (Zalensy) Walters and Edwin J. Walters.

He is survived by Karen Walters, his wife of 44 years and life partner, Gretchen (Erik) Estill, Amber (Tim) Couillard, and Eve (Bret) McCorkle, as well as by his beloved grandchildren, Kelly and Jordan McCorkle, Jake Walters, Emma Estill, and Ava and Brooklyn Couillard. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Anne & Edwin Walters; grandparents Anna and Walter Zalensy, Victoria and Martin Walters, and cherished aunt, Elsie Wisner, and granddaughter, Abigail Grace Estill.

Randy graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Electrical Technology, in 1967. Because he participated in ROTC, he was fortunate to enter the USAF as an officer. He served in the Air Force Weapons Lab at Kirtland AFB, in Albuquerque, N.M., from 1967-1971. He developed radiation detection instrumentation, and received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service to Our Country in the space program.

After he left the military, he developed and operated several contracting and service businesses in Illinois and New Mexico. Later in life he was self-employed in residential and commercial real estate management for his own properties, and was a private equities trader and a real estate managing broker.

Throughout his life Randy restored and renovated many architecturally significant homes, one of his most enjoyable passions. The other was collecting and displaying lighted Christmas decorations from past decades.

For four long years he fought hard to recover from cancer and the devastating effects of treatment. During that time he was blessed to become involved with Imago Dei church in Peoria, IL, whose mottos is, "All Are Welcome." Randy always had a heart and an open-hand for the hurting and marginalized of this world. He will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved him.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. His graveside burial service, with military honors, will be officiated by Pastor Dustin Hite, at 1:00pm, on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Legion Hill in Springdale Cemetery, Peoria, IL. Those wishing to attend should gather just inside the main gate on Prospect Avenue by 12:45pm for the procession. The family requests no flowers and asks that any donations be made to Imago Dei Church, 2221 N. Gale Ave., Peoria, IL, 61604. To share a memory or send a condolence for his family, visit www.peoriafuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Randy Walters, please visit our floral store.