Alumni Obituary – Stanley David Walters

Stanley David Walters, revered scholar, pastor, and educator, passed away peacefully on March 5, at the age of 92. He leaves behind a legacy of profound intellectual contributions and unwavering devotion to his faith. Born on July 30, 1931, in Lawrence, Kansas, Stan was the beloved son of Dr. Orville Selkirk Walters and Geneva Fern Walters.

Stan’s journey of intellectual pursuit began with an associate’s degree at Central College in McPherson, Kansas, followed by a bachelor’s degree at Greenville College in Illinois. He continued his academic journey at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky,

earning a Bachelor of Divinity Degree. Further studies led him to Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, where he earned a Master of Theology Degree, specializing in Biblical Studies. During his time at Princeton, he also served as a pastor in East Orange, New Jersey.

His thirst for knowledge led him to Yale University in Connecticut, where he pursued a Doctorate Degree in Ancient Near Eastern Languages. His dissertation, Water for Larsa, delved into Old Babylonian tablets on irrigation, showcasing his expertise in cuneiform studies.

Throughout his career, Stan dedicated himself to educating others. He began teaching at Greenville College before moving on to Central Michigan University, where he established the Department of Religion. He later served as a professor of the Old Testament at Knox College, University of Toronto, for sixteen years.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Stan answered the call to pastoral ministry. He served as a Presbyterian minister at Rosedale Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Canada, and later at First Presbyterian Church in Bucyrus, Ohio. His faithful pastoral ministry to these two congregations extended more than a decade.

Even in retirement, Stan remained committed to sharing his knowledge and faith. He served as Professor Emeritus at Tyndale University in Toronto, Canada, and as interim minister at First Presbyterian Church in Fostoria, Ohio. Stan leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, his children David Walters (Marja) and Connie Walters Dunwoody (Peter); Elizabeth’s children, Andrew Thomson (Sarah) and Kenneth Thomson (Allison); his brother, Richard Walters (Diana), and sister Margery Walters Browning (George); grandchildren Deirdre, Damaris (Joe), Rowan, Aravis (Alex), Rose, Maeve, George, Dorothy, and Isla; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Stan will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched through his teaching and ministry.

A celebration of Stanley’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 1:00 pm. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know him.