Loren Thomas Walters

Loren Thomas Walters passed away suddenly on April 19, 2025. Anyone who met Loren knew immediately what a fun-loving person he was. He loved to tell jokes and play pranks and practical jokes. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Michigan Wolverines. He took any opportunity to tease his siblings and friends about sports and life.

He was born on Wednesday, November 13, 1968 to Buron “Butch” and Patsy Walters. He graduated from Illinois School for the Deaf in 1988. He attended Gallaudet University for a year before deciding to enter the workforce. Loren worked for several years at Cracker Barrel in Illinois before moving to Michigan in 2000. He worked for many companies, most recently at Pontiac Post Office as a mail handler.

Loren moved to Michigan for Rachele Brancaleone. He loved her and her son Vino very much and was always a significant part of his life. He enjoyed watching Vino grow up, cheering him on at sporting events and seeing him start life on his own. Loren and Rachele loved to travel with recent trips to Florida and New York City.

Loren is survived by his dad Butch Walters, sister Lucinda Walters Haynes (Sam Haynes), brother Leon Walters (Becca), his nephews Niklas & Jacob Walters, and his niece Ruth Walters. Loren is also survived by the love of his life, Rachele Brancaleone and her son Vino Buckendahl who Loren considered as his son.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patsy McElroy Walters and his grandparents.

As a registered organ donor, Loren chose to help people even through his death. His kindness makes it easier for us to lose him, and yet we will all miss him terribly.

The Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 28, at 11:00 A.M. at Brown Funeral Home, 306 College Street, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, 42701. Burial will follow at South Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Airline Road, Hodgenville, KY 42748. A livestream of the service may be viewed here: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/m25049649535493

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Loren’s memory to Gift of Life Michigan or Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville, IL.