Allen Walters

Allen Long Walters, age 89, of Lamar, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2011 at his home following a two-year illness.      Allen was born July 4, 1922 in Lamar, to Paul, Sr. and Cora (Long) Walters.  After graduating from Lamar High School in 1940 he furthered his education at the Winona, Indiana Professional School of Photography.  During World War II, Allen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  Throughout his tenure he taught photography to other enlisted personnel, and spent many hours in the air doing aerial photography for topographical maps.  Once his service ended, he returned to Lamar, and in 1949 opened a portrait and commercial photography studio.  Allen's career spanned 53 years when he retired in 2002.   He had served as president of Missouri Professional Photographers Association and was a member of Lamar Kiwanis.      On April 25, 1948, at St. George Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Missouri, he married Edith M. Godfrey and she survives of the home.  Also surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, David & Galena Walters, Kansas City, Missouri: three daughters, Eva Susan & husband Joe Conrace, Lamar, Karla & husband Scott Browne, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, and Kristy Ann Heckman, Lamar; a sister Thelma & her husband Steve Nielsen, Bella Vista, Arkansas; ten grandchildren, Andrea & Anton Walters, John, George & Mike Conrace, Krissie Walsh, Nicholas & Katherine Heckman, Andy & Kelly Browne; and a great-granddaughter, Lily.      Allen was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Paul Walters, Jr.; two sisters, Gene Youngs and Gloria Mayfield; and a son-in-law, Terry Heckman.        A family graveside service will be held at Lake Cemetery at a later date.        Condolences may be sent at www.danielfuneralhome.net