Everett Walters loved Homer and the community loved him back.
“He was a special person,” said Becky Smith. “and will be missed by the whole community.”
Walters, also known as Uncle Boonie, owned Uncle Boonie’s Bait Shop in Homer for more than 30 years.
He had bait in a refrigerator outside the shop for people to purchase after hours. It was run on the honor system.
“Family members couldn’t believe he still worked on the honor system outside with his bait fridge,” said Amanda Gibson-Black. “Boonie is a legacy in this town.”
Walters passed away on Nov. 6 at 4:15 a.m. at his home in Homer. Walters was born on June 20, 1930 in Fairmount/Conkeytown and was the son of Paul Nye and Florence Edith Tracy Walters. He married Olive June Cromwell on Nov. 11, 1948 in Santa Cruz, California. She preceded him in death on Jan. 7, 2001.
Jamey Jenkins said Walters had been a perfect neighbor since his family moved into the neighborhood.
“I pray I have the stamina and ability to live my life with purpose as I’ve observed Everett to do for the last 36 years,” he said.
Walters is survived by his son Randy Walters and his wife Cindy of Convington, Indiana, his daughter Debbie Sears and her husband Doug of St. Joseph, his grandchildren Sara Allen and her husband Mike, Jackie Hamann and her husband Matt, Kim Chastain and her husband Jon and James Walters.
Walters is survived by his great-grandchildren: Gracie and Kadence Chastain, John, Nicholas and Andrew Donelan and Olive and Fletcher Hamann and his two step-grandchildren Lana Turner and George Sears.
Walters was also preceded in death by his parents, one son, four brothers and three sisters. He was the last remaining sibling of eight.
He was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church and was a former member of the volunteer fire department and a boy scout leader for 10 years.
Kris Brown, a former resident of Homer, said Walters has been a huge part of life in the town.
“Uncle Boonie has been such a big part of the community and the lives of those who have lived here,” she said. “He is truly like family.”
Scott Boen agreed.
“He has done a great many things for Homer over the years and wanted nothing in return,” he said. “He has made this a great town.”
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He also enjoyed playing euchre with his friends.
His friend Bruce Vetter said it was an honor to know Walters.
“Everett was a once in a lifetime man to meet and know personally on a daily basis,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to know him.”
