James Dana Walters was born May 30, 1926 to Ary Carl Walters and Alice Reed Walters in Akron, Colorado, and passed away December 7, 2017 at Akron Greenhouse Homes. Dana had an older sister Margerite and younger sister Carlene. They all lived on the family homestead near Lindon, Colorado where Dana lived until he retired and moved to Akron.
When Dana was 11 years old, a blizzard closed all the roads. His mother became very sick and needed to see a doctor. Eventually the mail road 1 ½ miles west was plowed. Carl loaded his sick wife in the Mercury and hitched six horses to the car. Dana, at 11 years' old, rode the lead horse and his younger sister Carlene, 4 years old, rode a wheel horse and they pulled the car to the mail road. They unhooked the horses from the car, and the kids headed back home and waited to see if Dad and Mom could make it home. The wind didn't drift the snow back over the road, so Mom and Dad made if back safely. Life was a struggle, but people were resilient.
Dana attended Antiock rural schools around his home until 8th grade, and attended some high school in Akron. After his father passed away, Dana farmed and took care of his mother until her death.
Dana was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served his time in Panama and was very proud to serve his country.
Dana attended Bethel Union Church where he served faithfully as an usher. Dana would drive to Howard Methodist Church in Last Chance and serve as an usher there as well. Dana joined the Woodlin Lions Club and loyally attended meetings and events until he moved to Akron and eventually became unable to drive.
Dana was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Alice, his sister Margerite and husband Jim. He leaves to mourn his sister Carlene and her children John and Lynn, and their families. On his father's side are relatives of the Walters family, the Jesse family, the Harden family, and the Pachner family. In England, there are many relatives on his mother's side.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 3:00 a.m. at Bowin Funeral Home in Akron, Colorado. Interment will follow at the Akron Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Woodlin Lions Club, or to the Akron Greenhouse Homes.