|
ARNOLD "SONNY" WALTERS
Arnold "Sonny" Walters passed away March 7, 2002 at the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Texas. He passed away of complications from a genetic disease that is called "Polycystic Kidney Disease" or PKD.
Arnold lived in Lake Jackson from the age of five until he left to attend S.F. Austin College in Nacogdoches. He later worked for Dow at the Oyster Creek Complex. He left the area in 1978.
His father, Arnold Walters preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Petefish Walters; daughter, Layla Walters Richter and husband, Matt; his mother and stepfather, Gen Walters Bagley and Roy; his sister, Cheryl Walters Martin and husband, Bruce; his two brothers, Wayne Walters and wife Susie, and Bruce Walters and wife Donna. Nieces Haley Koonce, Rachel Martin, Amanda and Katelyn Walters. He is also survived by his wife's parents Betty and Wilson Petefish and three sisters-in-law and their husbands and one niece.
Memorials may be made to the PKD Foundation, 4901 Main St. Suite 200, Kansas City, Mo. 64112 or to the charity of your choice.
|
John Gambino
I will never forget Arnold. He, too, was just a nice guy. I remember talking to him years ago after high school, college, and military service. In grade school I saw him get into a "fight" with someone and that little stub on his arm was a formidable weapon. I learned lessons about life from him when he played baseball and was able to field a ball with his gloved hand, take the glove off and QUICKLY throw the ball. It was all a BLUR!
Thanks, Arnold, for the lessons I learned from you.
Pat Elliott
Arnold was one of the nicest people I knew. In either 5th or 6th grade I "helped out" a girlfriend of mine at the Methodist Church with some open-house program they had & wore a kimono that was handed to me that day. I felt so very special all dolled up but didn't know where the kimono came from ... until Arnold saw me & ran off to get his dad to show him how I looked in the kimono he'd supplied (I guess he brought it home after the war?). Arnold was tickled pink! I've never forgotten that moment of his delighted surprise. I know I'm not the only person who felt he left us too soon.
James Tyler
Arnold was my best friend from 8th grade through graduation. He had lots of heart. I never saw Arnold again after graduation. I hope to see you again someday.
Judy Stephenson (Clifford)
Sonny....my first TRUE love. I'll never forget the long hours we spent at the Dow Park just talking and watching the ducks play or the first time you took me bowling and I just could not believe you could bowl with one hand. You were sweet, funny and such a good friend and I think of you often!
Jerry Hundl
I remember talking to Arnold about how he would put his stub between the bleachers and yelling his hand was caught, Flash Walker did not think it was so funny. Arnold did not not think it was so funny when paddle met his butt.Bill Marshall
I met Arnold in the 3rd or 4th grade. I remember playing Little League baseball with Arnold. He played in the outfield. He would catch the ball with his glove on the left hand and then quick as a blink he would have that ball in his left hand throwing it back in. He was something to watch playing ball. He would always joke about how he lost his right hand. I do not think I ever heard of how he really lost his hand. When he drove his car, it had one of those knobs you attach to the steering wheel and he would drive with that left hand and shift gears with his right knub. He never complained about not having his hand....Arnold adapted and made the best of the situation. I remember reading some of the articles he wrote. The one I really remember was one about frog gigging. Did not see Arnold much after High School. I think he was at one of the reunions.....I stuck out my left hand to shake hands with him.....he just smiled that smile of his....and stuck out his left hand. He did have a great sense of humor. RIP Arnold...... Later
Al Morris
I am so sorry to hear of Gen Walters passing. Arnold and I grew up together on Laurel street and played together and grew up together from 1st grade on. Mrs Walters was always an extremely sweet lady who was so thoughtful and kind. I spoke to her several times when visiting my mother, and always enjoyed the visits. Am so glad that she had a long and wonderful life. I cannot explain how much she meant to me during my years growing up. May GOD bless her family.