Walter Charles Williams' Obituary
WILLIAMS, Walter Charles,92, passed away peacefully Jan. 21, 2026,
at his home in Fort Myers, Florida. Devoted husband of the late Jessie Ann Williams (née McCollum). Loving father of Cynthia (Thomas Sidney) Vaughn, of Fort Myers, Linda (the late Richard) Evans, of Milford, Ohio, Pamela Heidenreich, of Fort Myers, Christina (Bruce) Dusebout, of Goshen, Ohio, and the late Walter David Williams. Cherished grandfather of the late Nicholas Brandenburg, Bradley (Tom Maltese) Evans, Tyler Williams, Dani (Shawn) Lunsford, Andrew "Drew" (Marisa) Evans, Sarah Williams, Alex Dusebout and Brian (Holly) Dusebout. Great-grandfather of Karmenne Williams, Brayden Lunsford, Kaiden Williams, Cole Lunsford, Kinsley Williams and Kian Williams. Beloved brother of the late Marion Mae Eifert, the late Russell Williams, Viola “Peachie” DeYoung, the late Tommy Williams and the late Martha Alcorn. Also loved by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
Walt was born April 4, 1933, at his family’s home on the banks of the Little Miami River in Loveland, Ohio. He graduated from Loveland High School in 1951, where he played football, basketball and baseball. When he wasn’t in school, Walt could probably be found fishing in the Little Miami River. That’s where, as a teenager, Walt caught a 20-pound catfish that landed him in the pages of the Loveland Herald. It was just one of thousands of fish he caught in his lifetime.
Walt was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve his country in the Korean War. He attended basic training at Camp Carson, Colorado, and led his platoon as a private in the 200th Infantry Regiment, Heavy Mortar Company. Walt also served for a time in Maine repairing boats for the Navy. Luckily, the war ended before he ever saw combat. Walt was honorably discharged as a corporal after 2 years of service in 1955 and awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He went on to serve 8 years in the Ohio Army Reserve. After his return, he began building the family home on Loveland-Madeira Road and married his high school sweetheart Jessie on June 29, 1956, at Madisonville United Methodist Church. They raised their 5 children in Loveland and spent 68 loving years together. From a young age, Walt’s father taught him the family business — carpentry. They spent many years working and building houses together in many of Cincinnati’s east side neighborhoods. Walt’s specialty was cabinetry and kitchens. He and Jessie bought Sparks Hardware Store on West Loveland Avenue in 1971. The Williams kids gained experience working behind the counter. Today the building is home to Tano Bistro.
Walt was appointed to a Loveland City Council seat in 1973 but decided not to seek re-election. He was among the first in Cincinnati to sell Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry and later built his own at-home kitchen remodeling showroom.
When he wasn’t working, Walt enjoyed pheasant hunting with his bird dogs. Walt and Jessie retired in 1996 and moved to Fort Myers. In retirement, Walt enjoyed traveling and camping. Roadtrips between Fort Myers and Cincinnati often included detours to go fishing at Lake Cumberland in Kentucky.
In his 70s, Walt fondly enjoyed walking with his family in 7 Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parades while representing Cherrybend Pheasant Farm in Wilmington. He was friendly and affable and loved waving at the crowds. In November 2017, after being delayed by Hurricane Irma, Walt flew to Washington, D.C., with Collier-Lee Honor Flight to visit our nation’s war memorials.
Walt enjoyed telling stories and jokes to everyone he met. He never knew a stranger. Walt had a passion for building furniture from reclaimed wood and selling his creations at flea markets and roadside stands. He also loved a good steak and black coffee with every meal. Arrangements handled by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. No public services will be held. Walt’s final resting place will be Greenlawn Cemetery, in Milford, with his wife and son. A private graveside service will be held for family at a future date. Donations in Walt’s memory may be made to Collier-Lee Honor Flight (P.O. Box 8001 Naples, FL 34101) or the Cincinnati VA Medical Center (3200 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45231) in support of other veterans.
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