Born August 7, 1939 in Creve Coeur to Walter and Sophia Mary (Doering) Athens, Sr., he married Yvonne Helmig on December 17, 1968 in Creve Coeur.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years and Bootsy, his little puppy and many family friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marlene Curley and two brothers, Vernon Athens and Frank Athens.
Walt was a self-employed construction worker who loved building and working on antique cars with his best friend, Jim Hall.
He was of the Catholic faith.
His graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2023 at Roberts Cemetery in Morton. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday afternoon at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate. 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
