Roland E. Walters

Roland E. Walters, Sr. Roland Evans Walters, Sr, 91 of Pottsville, who took part in the invasion of Normandy in World War II, died Sunday. Born November 24, 1916, he was one of 11 children of Harry J. and Mary Evans Walters. Other than during the war, he lived his entire life in Pottsville, where he worked as a boilermaker and pipe fitter for Schimpf's Boiler Works and later as a plumbing and heating specialist for Rosenberger Plumbing and heating Co. He served in the Navy during World War II as a Shipfitter 3rd Class on the destroyer escort, the USS Bates was assigned to provide anti-submarine screening for the battleship USS Nevada off Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion from the predawn hours of June 12, 1944, until June 12, 1944. During the invasion, Walters served on the bridge as the "Captian"s Talker", relaying orders to the crew. Walters was a prefectionist at his work, teaching his sons, Roland E. Walters,JR, and his former wife Laura, Roanoke, VA; William R., husband of Donna Walters, Schuylkill Haven, PA: Richard J., husband of Margie Walters, Emmaus, PA, the importance of doing things the right way. He was known for his quick wit and remarkable sense of humor. He coached at Railway Park Little League during the 1950's and 1960's. He was a past commander of the Pottsville VFW Post 129. Surviving, in addition to his sons, are his loving wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Raybound Walters; seven grandchildren, a great grand daughter; two sisters Grace Hilbert, Lancaster, PA and Doris Gregor, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church, 4th & West Market Street, Pottsville, PA 17901, with the Rev. Storm Hutchinson officiating. A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church Thursday evening, and from 10 a.m. Friday until time of services at the church. A reception will be held after the veiwing Thursday evening in Ben Patton Hall at the church. Interment with milityary honors will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family ask for contributions to Good Samaritan Foundation, 700 East Norwegian Street, Pottsvuille, PA 17901. Your condolence for the family can be sent to www.bestlifetributes.com. The Schlitzer-Allen-Pugh Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of arrangements.