Joseph M. Walters

Joseph “Joe” Walters, age 62, of Englewood, Florida, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends, on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023. Joe fought a brave and long battle with cancer with a smile on his face and a positive attitude, never giving up hope, treating each and every day he was given as a gift. Joe was born in West Branch, Michigan on July 19, 1960, to Robert and Joan (Sharpe) Walters. After serving in the US Army, he returned to his hometown to meet the love of his life, Kelley (Rutherford) Walters in 1983. They then moved to Englewood, Florida in 1990 and he lived the rest of his days soaking up the Florida sunshine.

Joe married Kelley in 1993 and together they have one daughter. He is survived by his wife, Kelley and his daughter Kayla & Cameron Tipple. He is also survived by his honorary daughter Nikki (Pettigrew) Stoltzman.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joan Walters and his brothers, Dick, Jeff and Doug Walters, and his parents-in-law, Christine & Roger Rutherford, his brother-in-law Kevin Rutherford, and his sister-in-law Karen Grabiec. He is survived by his sisters, Kathy & Wayne Keith and Ann & Ron Hodges, all of West Branch, MI, sisters-in-law, Patricia & Michael Scott of Dewitt, MI and Wendy & Robert Weizuhn of West Branch, MI, and his brother-in-law Paul & Lisa Rutherford of West Branch, MI. He is also survived by very many close and loved nieces and nephews.

People were drawn to Joe like a magnet, and he made a friend of everyone he met, always easily making those around him laugh and feel loved and important. He considered his friends family, and the list is too long to print.

Per Joe’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of a life well lived will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com for the Walters family.