Walter Ernest Paris, age 93, of Moravia, IA, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, at his home.
Walter was born on February 22, 1932, at home on the farm near Moravia, IA, to Claude and Lenora (Morrison) Paris. He grew up attending school and graduated from the Moravia High School with the Class of 1949. Walter served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. On June 16, 1956, he was united in marriage to Fern Engle at the Miller Church near Moravia. Walter and Fern shared 69 years of marriage prior to his passing.
Walter worked at Morrells until he retired in 1972 when the plant was closing. He was also a lifelong farmer, raising sheep, hogs and cattle, as well as row cropping.
Walter was a lifelong member of the American Legion in Albia and later in Unionville. He was also a member of the NFO (National Farmers Organization). He enjoyed life to the absolute fullest. He was an avid race fan, who owned and drove stock cars and sprint cars over the years and later raced in vintage races. He also loved to help his son and grandson with their race cars. Walter went to many NASCAR races including in North Carolina, Las Vegas, Talladega, and Bristol, Tennessee. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially his Indian, and riding snowmobiles with the Rathbun Snow Riders. Walter enjoyed country music, with his favorite artists being Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Marty Robbins. He loved his dogs, Momo and Bobo. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, especially having cool ones around the campfire. Above all else, Walter cherished all the time spent with his family.
Walter is survived by his wife, Fern; his children, Lynn (Tammy) Paris, Alan (Lisa) Paris, Marlena (Dave) Huffman, Karlena Foster, Malinda (Andy) Money, and John (Becky) Engle; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Connie Judge; and a brother, Wayne (Linda) Paris. Walter is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Lenora Paris; 2 sisters, Arlene and Peggy; a brother, Gene; a son-in-law, Harold Foster; his beloved dog, Bobo; and many friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Light of Life Church in Moravia, IA, with Walter’s family present to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Light of Life Church in Moravia, IA, with Pastor Les Featheringill officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the American Legion of Unionville Post #407 will follow services at the Unionville Cemetery in Unionville, IA. A luncheon will be held at the Life of God Church following the burial.
A memorial has been established to American Legion in Unionville, IA.
