Walter Odell Bales

Walter Odell Bales, one of twelve children born to the union of the late John and Mary (Rickerson) Green, was born August 25, 1934 in Waynesville, Missouri where he grew up and attended Anderson School. On November 12, 1960, Walter was united in marriage to Effie Melzone Gan in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 52 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. For several years, Walter worked for Les and Jim Bales doing construction work. He later became self-employed as a carpenter and built Speedy’s Service Station, Mrs. Dorothy Moore’s home and laid brick for houses and commercial buildings in Richland. He also installed siding on homes throughout the county. In his spare time, Walter enjoyed being outdoors while coon hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Coon Hunters Association. Walter especially liked to spend time with his family and treasured the memories of every family gathering and playing with the kids. Walter had a very contagious laugh and he had a desire to see everyone happy. Walter made a profession of faith at an early age and was an active member of the Free Will Baptist Church of Waynesville until his health began to decline. Walter went home to be with his Lord Saturday, January 5, 2013 in the Richland Care Center having attained the age of 78 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Walter leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Effie of the home; one son Eddie Dean Bales (Kendra) of Laquey, MO; one brother: Paul (Ethlyn) Bales of Waynesville, MO; foster son: SPC Brandon Balk of Ft. Stewart, GA; several other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by ten siblings: William Alva Bales, Clarence H. Bales, Ella Mae (Bales) Helm, Homer Bales, Margorie Ruth (Bales) Priddy, Ephram Bales, John Junior Bales, Mildred Lee (Bales) Currell, Leo Bales and Anna Marie (Bales) Hawkins. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Russell Johnson officiating. Soloist Charlas Bales sang "Farther Along" and "Amazing Grace". Serving as escorts were Billy Bales, C.P. Bales, John Bales, Willie Bales, Jeff Beard and Dave Stevens. Serving as honorary escorts were Bill Bales, Dick Bales, Jim Bales, Bill Brashear, Wayne Helms, Roger Price and Chuck Thompson. Burial followed in the Gospel Ridge Cemetery of St. Robert, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Walter Odell Bales

August 25, 1934 - January 5, 2013