Joseph A Walters was the son of Carl and Dorothea Weilert Walters. He was a member of the 41st Infantry Division in WWII and saw action in New Guinea, Biak Island and Sulu Archipelago in the Phillipines. He was seriously wounded on Jolo Island and spent 6 months in the hospital as a result. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Joe was murdered at his home in Deepwater, MO, the victim of a robbery/home invasion. As his obituary put so well "Joe was truly his own man; an adventurer, a visionary and an innovator".

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Joe A. Walters, 82, passed away Friday, March 3, 2006, at his home in Deepwater, MO. He was a victim of assault and robbery. He resided for many years in Independence, MO. Joe was born in Ness County, Kansas to Carl and Dorothea Weilert Walters on October 25, 1923.

He was a graduate of Iola, Kansas High School. Joe was a member of the 41st Infantry Division in World War II where he saw action in New Guinea, Biak Island and the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines. He was seriously injured on Jolo Island and spent 6 months in a hospital as a result. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Joe was a member of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta, one of the oldest orders of chivalry in the world. He rose to the rank of Commander and Proctor General. Under his leadership the priory gained prominence and was recognized both nationally and internationally for its charitable works. He was recognized as an expert in militaria memorabilia and antiques.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Lillian Lucille; his son, Joe Ray, and his daughter, Phillis Elaine.

He is survived by his daughter, Helen Louise Goodloe, Mt. Zion, MO; grandsons, Wayne and Matt Fields, granddaughter Kathy Kochenderfer; great grandchildren, Alisha, Nicholas, Chase, Jacob, James, Lindsey, Kane and Kole. He is also survived by sisters, Dorothy Trinkle and Velma Hallak, and brothers, Charles and Albert.

Joe was truly his own man; an adventurer, a visionary and an innovator. As leader of the Knights of Malta, he was a staunch proponent of the tenant of belief espoused by the organization's founder: "Be all things to those less fortunate and need of assistance".

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Nativity of Mary Church, Independence, on Friday, March 10, 2006 at 10 a.m. Friends may call at the visitation on Thursday, March 9, from 68:30 p.m. at the Sheil Colonial Funeral Home, 11924 E. 47th Street, with a Rosary at 8 p.m. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Raytown.

Kansas City Star, 3/8/2006