Known to most as Tommy, he was born in Decatur, IL, December 11, 1942 the son of Victor Hugo and Katherine (Funk) Walters. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wayland Baptist University, Waco, TX and then his masters from Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary, Memphis, TN. He married Marie I White in Springfield, September 12, 1965 and she survives.
Also surviving are his two children; Frank T. (Nadina) Walters Jr of Springfield, and Kristina (Brad) Baker of Rockford, IL, his grandchildren: Daniel (Dani) Fouts of Rockford, IL, Paige Auerswald of Springfield, IL, Hailey (Casey) Collins of Bay Springs, MS, Evelyn (Chris) Johnson of Rockford, IL, and Alexandra Baker of Byron, IL, three step-grandchildren: Nick (Nicole) Baker, Josh (Ellie) Baker both of Freeport, IL and Erica (Daniel) Johns of Rockford, IL. There are 12 great grandchildren: Bailey Johnson of Rockford, IL, Zane Johnson of Rockford, IL, Alexander Thomas Fouts of Rockford, IL, Kyleigh Baker of Freeport, IL, Kaiden Baker of Freeport, IL, Easton Johns of Columbia, TN, Evan Fouts of Rockford, IL, Jaxon Johnson of Rockford, IL, Adeline Collins of Bay Springs, MS, Jorah Johnson, of Rockford, IL Henry Collins of Bay Springs, MS, and Harrison Thomas Collins of Bay Springs, MS, his brother, Robert Walters of Taylorville, IL and his sister, Shirley Taylor of Arcola, IL, Niki (Gary) Robertson, Evansville, IN and her sons, Wesley, Rochester, IL, Daniel (Kailaya) Griffith, Oceanside, CA, and Jacob, Evansville, IL and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Helen Fortner and Judy Howard, and two grandchildren; Owen Michael Fouts and Gabriel Walters.
Tommy proudly and honorably served his country for over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps achieving the rank of GySgt, retiring in 1981. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Good Conduct Medal with 1 star, combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 star.
Pastor Tommy served various churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. He was the Counseling Pastor at Eastview Baptist Church for 13 years. He also worked as a security guard at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the Illinois State Police in the DNA lab. He loved to tell people about Jesus. He did not know a stranger. God and family were his highest priorities. He was asked what his proudest moments were, his answer, “holding his son and daughter for the first time”.
He was a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans, Annual Member of the Marine Corps League and a life member of the Southern Baptist Convention. Pastor Tommy was also a member for over 14 years of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.
Family and Friends are invited to a time of visitation Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Bisch and Son Funeral Home 505 E. Allen St. Springfield, IL. Additional visitation will be held at Eastview Baptist Church 2277 E. Black Ave. Springfield, IL Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 9:30 am until the time of service there at 10:30 am. Pastor Bennie Fisher will officiate.
Burial with full military honors will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Pastor Tommy would like everyone to pass out 5 tracts to those they meet, telling them about Jesus.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch and Son Funeral Home. 217-544-5424
