Mr. Walter James Bealor, 82, of LaPorte, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at LaPorte Hospital.
He was born March 23, 1934, in LaPorte to Wayne and Ellen (Pointon) Bealor.
Walt was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. After his military service, he became a butcher for Ruge Meats for many years, then began driving for Bulkmatic Transport and Phoenix Motor Express, eventually retiring in 1995. Walt was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 400 of Fish Lake, IN, and a member of the Stillwell Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed bowling and golfing. He was a Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, and a dedicated fan of the Chicago White Sox and Blackhawks.
After his retirement, Walt and his wife enjoyed years of camping and sitting by the campfires with family and friends, eventually moving to Donna, Texas. There they enjoyed sightseeing trips and spending time with newfound friends, and he began bowling on a Senior Olympics League, winning two gold medals, of which he was very proud. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
On April 24, 1965, in LaPorte, he married Elizabeth (Miller) Bealor, who preceded him in death Nov. 3, 2011.
Walter was also preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jeremiah Pauff; granddaughter, Paula Bealor; great-granddaughter, Mya Keeling; sister, Margaret Shelby; and four brothers, Lester Bealor, Dennis Bealor, Philip Bealor and Thomas Bealor.
He is survived by his four sons, Walter E. (Marilyn) Bealor, Kevin Bealor, Thomas (Kim) Jackson Jr. and Karl (Melody) Jackson; three daughters, Dianne (Bruce) Allen, Deanna (Rick) Carlson and Tammy (TJ) Rehlander-Layden; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Miss Kitty.
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Thursday, March 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday, March 3, from 10 to 11 a.m. A life celebration will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Jack Balon officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, IN, with full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1180, South Indianapolis, IN 46204; or the American Heart Association, Regional Office, 6500 Technology Drive, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.