Walter was born in enemy territory and lived in Frankfurt, Germany until 1923. Memories of war years, air bombardment, occupation troops and near famine are reminders of those years. In 1923 Walt and his foster mother came to America. Because of financial needs, he lived in a Baptist Children's Home until 1931 and then came to Oak Park, Illinois with his foster mother.

He graduated from Moody Bible Institute and Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago and later earned a Master's Degree from Wheaton College. In practical work assignment at Leyden Baptist Church, he met his future wife LaVergne and they were married in October 1941.

Nineteen forty four was a red letter year; graduation from Seminary the birth of Dolores, ordination to the gospel ministry and a Chicago pastorate. They enjoyed five years of good ministry at Bethany Baptist Church in Chicago. A call from a fairly new foreign mission society changed everything. For 32 years, Walt was involved in church relations, editorial services and world-wide travel to most of their mission fields.

During those years, Dolores was married to Lee Larson in 1966 and granddaughter Kristin was born in 1971. LaVergne became church secretary at First Baptist Church in Wheaton.

The next step was a new position in editorial and publication for our national church association. Walt and LaVergne moved to Windsor in 1988 while Walt was still involved in that position. With retirement from that association, their interest and involvement was targeted toward Windsor community activities. They were so thankful for the fellowship with the Windsor family.

Bob Morris was welcomed into the family when he married Kristin in 1994. Later, on May 3, 1997, LaVergne passed away. Great-granddaughter Kaitlyn was born in September of 2000 with Megan joining them in February of 2005.

Dee and Lee reside in Simpsonville, South Carolina with Kristin, Bob and the children residing in Canton, Georgia.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29, at 3:30 P.M. at the Windsor Park Manor chapel, 124 Windsor Park Dr., in Carol Stream, IL.

Private interment was held at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace.

Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church of Wheaton, 1310 N. Main Street, Wheaton, IL 60187; or to Windsor Park Manor, 124 Windsor Park Dr., Carol Stream, IL 60188.