Don Walz

Don Fredrick Walz, 79, of Jackson, formerly of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, at Jackson Manor.

He was born Oct. 27, 1930, in Jefferson City, the fourth child of Milo H. Sr. and Esther Beck Walz.

Don was a 1948 graduate of Jefferson City High School and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with degrees in business and finance.

After graduating from college, Don entered the U.S. Army as a finance officer and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., during the Korean conflict.

Don married the love of his life, Norma June Smith, Jan. 16, 1965. Together they raised four children, Rick, Denise, Donna and Steve.

He had a 60-year career with Milo H. Walz Inc., a company founded by his parents, Milo H. Sr. and Esther Walz, in 1923 on the south side of Jefferson City.

Each of his siblings had his/her own niche in the company, and Don's was hardware. In 1963 he and his family opened Walz True Value Hardware which stood on the south side until 1997. In 1996 Don and his brother Bob sold the retail businesses in Jefferson City and Columbia and retired.

Don served as president of Milo H. Walz Real Estate until his death, which encompassed properties in Columbia and Jefferson City. Milo H. Walz Inc. operated in Jefferson City, Columbia, Osage Beach and Holts Summit, Mo.

In 2009, Don and Norma moved to Cape Girardeau to be near their daughter. Don was currently a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Norma; his four children, Rick Thrash and wife Amy of Jefferson City, Denise Willroth and husband Mark of Jefferson City, Donna Ward and husband Todd of Jackson, Steve Walz and wife Shelley of Tampa, Fla.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Missy Holmes and husband Lee and children Rylee and Reece of Jefferson City; Anna Thrash of Columbia, Tom Thrash of Jefferson City, Charley Thrash of Columbia, Henry Walz of Tampa, and Lily Ward of Jackson.

There was truly no Papa loved as much as Don Walz was by his grandchildren. Don is also survived by a brother, James Walz and wife Marinell of Jefferson City; and a sister, Ruth Downey of Texas.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris Walz; and four brothers, Milo H. "Bud" Walz Jr., Herbert Walz, Robert Walz Sr., and Richard "Dick" Walz.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Paul Short officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Don requested any contributions be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, National Alzheimer's Association or Southeast Hospice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City, and his extended obituary is on their website at www.freemanmortuary.com.