R.H. "Lefty" Walters

R. H. "Lefty" Walters, 88, of Casper, passed away May 27, 2014, at Wyoming Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Lefty was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 23, 1926 to Henry and Edna Walters and moved to Colorado with his family in 1930. In 1938, the Walters family moved to Riverton, Wyoming where Lefty spent his formidable years as a youth. In fact, his prowess on the baseball field (he played Legion baseball at the age of 13) and softball field (he helped Riverton to a State Championship in Fast-Pitch softball in 1956) as a first baseman earned him his life-long nickname, "Lefty". He was also affectionately known as "Big Dog" by his teammates and friends and if you ever met him you could easily ascertain why he was given such a name. Lefty graduated from Riverton High School in 1943, enlisted in the Army, and served his country as a paratrooper. Lefty married Alma Zanetti from Hudson, Wyoming on May 21, 1949 at Saint Margaret's Catholic Church in Riverton, Wyoming. Alma and Lefty had two children, Gary and Kris, while enjoying their early years together in Riverton. They eventually moved to Casper in 1961 where Lefty worked for Johnson Testers, Texas Reamer, and eventually Richardson Trucking.

Lefty had an amicable personality and was loved by everyone. He could often be found "holding court" at Richardson Trucking later in life and the laughs were aplenty. Simply put, he was the kind of man that just made you feel good about yourself. He was an avid golfer and gardener and loved sports – the Detroit Tigers, Denver Broncos and Wyoming Cowboys among his favorites. Lefty was most proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and remained actively involved in all of their lives.

Lefty is survived by his daughter, Kris Richardson; his son, Gary Walters and his wife Connie; four grandchildren, Amber Fazio and her husband Pete, Tracy Richardson and his wife Cebee, Craig Walters and his wife Karen, and Mindy Walters; and five great-grandchildren, Kayla, Taylor and Evan Fazio and T.R. and Calvin Richardson. He is also survived by his brothers, Hank, Kenny and Donnie Walters and his sister, Marion Jenness and his companion over the last four years, Shirley Harvell. Lefty was preceded in death by his wife, Alma, and his son-in-law, Ron Richardson.

A memorial celebration will be held with family and friends at a later date.

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