David Alan Walters

David Alan Walters, 61, of Galesburg, died at 6:38 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2015 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, Galesburg.

Dave was born July 17, 1953 in Galesburg, the son of Dwight F. and Marion R. Swanson Walters.  He married Mary Helen Smith Gibbons on May 27, 1977 in Galesburg.  Dave is survived by his wife, Mary of Galesburg; a son, Mickey (Samantha Stinson) Gibbons of Galesburg; a daughter, Amy (Daniel) Westbay of Dewitt, IA; and two brothers, Steve and Rick Walters of Galesburg.  He is the proud grandpa of Marcus and Kohen Gibbons, Nolan and Dexter Westbay, Peyton, Luckas, and Liam Walters; and two special girls, Jade Powell and Dominique Wingo.  He was preceded in death by a son, Nash A. Walters on October 18, 2007; his parents, and his father and mother in law, Philip A. Smith, Sr. and Mary M. Smith. 

Dave graduated from Galesburg High School.  He worked for Butler Mfg. for 31 years, retiring in 2005.  Dave loved listening to music, watching movies and was an avid Chicago Bears football fan.  He also loved to go for rides with his wife Mary and enjoyed the shops at Bishop Hill.  Most of all, Dave loved to be with his grandchildren and family.  Dave’s family honored his life by donating his tissue to Gift of Hope. 

A celebration of life and toasts to Dave’s life will be 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2015 at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be designated at Bishop Hill or to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.