Kenneth A. Walter

Kenneth “Ken” Allen Walter, 74, of Afton, passed away Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Afton.

He was born Oct. 25, 1948, to Jerry and Beulah Walter in Creston. Ken grew up working on the family farm and was involved in 4-H, showing animals. He was involved in several activities in high school including the theater club, basketball, wrestling and track. He was especially proud of theater and track, telling stories about those activities frequently for the entertainment of his kids and grandkids.

In May 1972, Ken joined the Air Force where he proudly served until December 1976. Ken served at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, and in Ankara, Turkey. Following his military service, he used his GI Bill to complete trade school at Southwestern Community College in Creston, focusing on carpentry, building trades and diesel mechanics. After completing trade school at SWCC, Ken briefly worked as a carpenter/electrician before embarking on a career in truck driving in the late 80s, which he continued until his retirement.

Ken met his wife, Donna Wallace, at Mount Ayr High School where they both graduated from in 1967. They fell in love and married Feb. 12, 1968, developing close bonds and fun memories with each other’s families. They were blessed with their first child, Ben, in September 1968. Erin came in 1973 and Sam in 1976. The family moved every few years, renovating and selling many of the homes they lived in. They lived in multiple areas, taking in the local sights and experiences wherever they went, inviting family to stay at their house and creating memories.

Later in life, Ken and Donna were blessed with a total of 13 grandchildren and they spent a lot of time traveling and camping with them. There were always boy and girl sleepovers, baking, practical jokes and smiles at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Ken was always taking the kids out to eat, getting ice cream, going to see his mom or brother and running errands all over southern Iowa. He never met a stranger.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Wallace Walter and his brother, Merle (Patti) Walter. He will also be deeply missed by his children: Ben (Laura) Walter, Erin (Heath) Bailey and Roxanne Walter (Kevin Webb), as well as his grandchildren: Cody (Devin) Walter, Conner Walter, Casey Walter; Ryan Collins, Anna Collins, Evan Collins, Sara Collins; Madison Walter-Walkup, Isabel Walkup; Brendon (Devona) Walter, Jacob (Ashley) Walter, Marissa Walter (Tanner Shere) and Braeton Rinner. Ken was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Aubrey Walter, Addison Walter, Freya Walter and Skyelynn Hamilton. He leaves behind many other cherished family members and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Jerald Walter; mother, Beulah Walter and son Samuel Walter.

The visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr. Services will be at 10:30 am Saturday, Oct. 28 at the funeral home. Burial is in the Benton Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the local American Legion and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post #172 in Mount Ayr or the Benton Cemetery Avenue of Flags in honor of Ken’s military service.