Paul Walters

Paul Leonard Walters went home to be with Jesus on July 17, 2023. He lived an incredible and blessed 97 years, and was married to the love of his life, Eleanor Platt Walters, for 64 years!

Paul was born to Milton and Hannah Berkebile Walters on August 23, 1925. He married his sweetheart, Eleanor Platt Walters, and had two children, Nancy Walters Bierman and “Baby Boy” Walters (Paul Jr.).

Throughout his life, Paul held an unwavering faith in Christ and was an active member of his church. Paul was a dedicated follower of Jesus, a good and faithful servant, and his life exemplified that in every aspect. He led members of his family to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Always graciously giving of his time and efforts to others, he was a trustee at North Royalton Baptist Church, and even spent countless hours working on the church building and helping with any projects necessary (plumbing, painting, cleaning, etc.). He also enjoyed driving buses for the children at the church and always arrived super early to warm up the buses (arriving early was a common trend for Paul).

Paul's family meant the world to him, and he was actively involved in every single aspect of their lives. He loved Eleanor with all his heart throughout their 64 years of marriage (1 month shy of 65 years). He was her caregiver while she was battling Alzheimer’s disease, and ensured he was patient and kind in his love for her, just as Jesus commanded in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). He delighted in attending Nancy’s church choir cantatas, and enjoyed driving to her piano recitals at Malone University. He was the biggest fan for all of Jonathan’s sporting events and Jennifer’s band performances over the years at CVCA and North Royalton, and never missed a game. He also drove them to school and sporting events and often even drove their friends as well (always punctual of course).

Paul was an owner/operator trucker and spent most days leaving the house early and getting home late. Hard-working and diligent in every sense of the word, Paul valued honesty and the value of a man’s word. He was driven by a passion to help people and was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others. In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Paul was an extremely skilled handyman. He could accomplish any home project (he designed and built the interior of his house and added an upstairs addition on his subsequent home with his own two hands) and self-taught himself all his skills (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, automotive, and more). He LOVED riding his tractors (giving rides to grandchildren and great-grandchildren), cutting the grass, and spending time in his front and back yards. He also enjoyed cutting down trees and even pulled a few trees over with a car. He took pleasure working on and repairing trucks and cars, collecting tools, and fixing anything that needed to be fixed. You name it, Paul could fix it. When he discovered his need for a trailer and hauling machinery while cutting down trees and trimming branches, he built his own trailer. He was also exceptionally proud to teach his daughter, grandchildren, and some of his brothers how to drive a car. As a reward for learning to drive, he purchased cars for Nancy, Jonathan, and Jennifer, and was instrumental in the houses they live in today.

Paul loved to travel, and especially enjoyed visiting Siesta Key and St. Armand’s in Florida with his family. He always loved visiting his family and friends in Pennsylvania where he was born. He took great pride in his Pennsylvania heritage. He cherished his times camping with church friends (Acker, Klunzinger, and Kowach families). He even designed and built a camping trailer with his good friend, Gene Acker. Paul also liked to celebrate the completion of a project with family by going out to dinner and most especially, ice cream! His favorite spots were Hartville Kitchen, The Barn Restaurant, Bob Evans, Golden Corral, and Honey Hut. While sitting around campfires and bonfires in the yard, he would often listen and sing along to songs such as “Olde Time Religion,” “Because He Lives,” “Amazing Grace,” “I’ve Got Spurs That Jingle, Jangle, Jingle" and “Thanks to Calvary.”  He also adored watching the Gaither’s and Cathedral Quartet on television. Paul’s love for animals was vast, as he owned numerous cats and dogs (even three turtles) throughout the years. His personal favorites included Mittens, Buddy, Buffy, Squeaky, Frosty, and Sandy. Most of their pets were strays that Paul had rescued. His pets reflected Paul’s heart and character as he sympathized with them, accepted them, and brought them into his house as his own. One fond story Paul liked to share was when he once rescued an animal off a snowy road while driving his semi-truck. Initially, he thought it may have been a raccoon or possum as it was snow-covered. It turned out to be a dog, and he brought it home. His wife, Eleanor, who was also a devoted lover of animals, told him in this instance that he had better find a home for that dog. Well, the dog did find a home. It lived with Paul and Eleanor for years at their house and even became one of their favorites, Buffy. Buffy always greeted Paul by taking his big ring of keys at the door. One winter, Buffy dropped the keys in the snow, and they were not found until Spring. As you can imagine, Paul had so many wonderful stories over the years of his pets, which really became members of the family.

Ever the comedian, Paul always loved playing pranks on people and telling jokes to create laughter and happiness amongst others, and to have a good time (as well as himself). His sense of humor was among the several traits that attracted him to others, along with his quick wit. Everyone yearned to be with him, near him, and just around him, which earned him the nickname “Goodtime.” One time, he placed a smoke bomb in his brother-in-law’s brand-new car while he was in church. When his brother-in-law came out and started the car, smoke was everywhere! While panic and chaos ensured, especially with his sister-in-law’s reaction, Paul stood off to the side, smiling and laughing from ear to ear. An abundance of laughs eventually ensued once everyone realized the actual circumstances. Paul brought people together. He was a legend.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Nancy Walters Bierman (Kenneth, deceased); his grandchildren, Jonathan Bierman (Allison) and Jennifer Bierman; his great grandchildren, Aubrey Bierman and Carson Bierman; and his sisters in law, Nancy Walters (Roger) and Joyce Walters (Richard).

Paul joins his parents; his wife; Eleanor Platt Walters; brothers, Norman Walters, Ralph Walters, Roger Walters, Richard Walters, and Donald Mishka, in Heaven.

Per Paul’s request and wishes, the funeral will be a private ceremony with only immediate family members present. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

Matthew 7:12 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Bollinger Funeral Services is assisting the family.