WALTERS, Charles Edward (Mickey)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, May 8, 2010 Charles Edward Walters, known as "Mickey" or "Charlie," passed away at the age of 81 on Friday, April 30, 2010, at home, with his wife and brother Dan at his side, after his battle with COPD and a long and courageous 22-year battle with leukemia. Charlie was born on Sept. 25, 1928, in Hermosa Beach, Calif., to Cleo and Ruth Walters. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia; his two brothers, Tom and Dan; and his only sister Jeanne. He was greatly loved by his three sons, Mike, Ed and Paul; his two daughters, Judy and Carol; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Charlie served as a Coast Guard Merchant Marine from 1945 to 1953, after which he worked as a carpenter for most of his life, teaching his three sons the same trade. He and his son, Ed, were once sent to Japan to help build a small subdivision there. He had a love for racing motorcycles, which he did with his brothers, sons and eventually even his grandsons. He was a top contender and raced his last race at the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix at the age of 73, as founder of AMA District 37 Latrodectus Mactans Motorcycle Club. Charlie had a great love for music. A big passion of his was playing the piano while he sang along. He also played the guitar and saxophone. He sailed to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, from the port of Long Beach, California, with his son Michael and grandson David, on a 29-foot sailboat that he purchased. Charlie and his family also enjoyed many short trips on that same boat. In 1968, he learned to fly in a 1946 Taylor Craft that he bought as a fulfillment of one of his childhood dreams, and he flew it for many years back and forth between Arizona and California. Charlie spent countless hours writing his autobiography of over 600 pages, which included numerous photos of family and friends and his many adventures. He completed the book less than two years ago and had it printed for his loved ones. He loved all living things and always had man's best friend nearby. He moved to Prescott, Ariz., in 1972 for the health of his youngest son, Paul, where he enjoyed the remainder of his years. Charlie handed down a love of God and family and created a HUGE loving family. The world is DEFINITELY a better place because of him. We will miss him always... Until we meet again. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2010, at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Hampton Funeral Home assisted the family with final arrangements. Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhome.com to sign Charles' guestbook. Information provided by survivors.