Douglas E. Walters

Douglas E. Walters, age 60 of West Branch, MI passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 23, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 3, 1958 to Bob and Joan Walters in West Branch and lived there all of his life.

Doug was an avid outdoorsman from the time he was a young child. At age ten he left his mother a note on a brown paper bag saying he was running away from home, not because he was mad, but because he wanted to "live off the land". He was found later that day setting up camp at the local mill pond a half mile from home.

Doug loved fishing more than anything and made most of his own lures. His passion for fishing was passed down to his children, whom he spent time teaching and fishing with.

He also enjoyed hunting, campfires and hiking. He inherited his mother's green thumb and could grow anything. His flower and vegetable gardens were another favorite pastime of his and were always bountiful.

Doug also enjoyed cooking and excelled in fish dinners and homemade soups.

He worked as a semi truck driver in the pulp wood industry for over 40 years, 35 of them working for his father.

Doug is survived by his daughter, Carly Lyn Walters and Guy Shinault of Lexington, MI, his stepsons, whom he considered his own, Patrick Sanback of St. Helen, MI and Christopher and Becky Sanback of Mesa, AZ, grandchildren, Emma Rose and Stone. Also surviving are his siblings, Kathy and Wayne Keith, Ann and Ron Hodges, all of West Branch, Joe and Kelley Walters of Englewood, FL and Liz and Greg Sirmeyer of Joelton, TN. He was preceded in death by his older brothers, Dick in 2016 and Jeff in 1983. Doug leaves behind nieces and nephews, Kirsten Turner, Kimberlee Keith, Ben Keith, Stacy Hodges-Darrow, Jeff Hodges, Kayla Tipple, and Alyssa Sirmeyer. He was preceded in death by niece, Rondell Walters in 2016 and great-nephew, Ryan Keith in 1998, as well as both of his parents.

Visitation at the Steuernol and McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. Father Emmanuel Finbarr will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doug's family.