Walter L. Holt, son of Walter T. and Goldie Linkous Holt was born December 21, 1926 in Protem, MO. He lost his battle with cancer January 5, 2014 in James River Care Center, Springfield, MO. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Betty; son, Mark L. Holt and his wife, Michelle of Aurora, MO; daughter, Shirley Uehle and her husband, Howard of Cedar Falls, IA; two step-grandchildren; a brother, Francis Holt and his wife, Donna of Asheville, NC; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Walter was a graduate of Forsyth High School and proudly served his country with honor and courage during World War II and the Korean War. Walter held numerous jobs through the years beginning with Edwards Hatchery where he met his wife. After his father died, Walter and Betty lived in Hilda, MO for five years while helping his mother with the family farm and general store. He also worked for Hoffman-Taff Inc. where he was exposed to the deadly chemical dioxin. Walter strongly believed this exposure was the cause of his cancer. He retired after working 20 years as a carman on the Frisco Railroad. Walter enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a proud member of the NRA, the Mid-West Tool Collectors Club, the American Legion Post 676, and the Korean War Veterans of the Ozarks. Walter and Betty enjoyed attending auctions, stopping at garage sales and searching for bargains at antique shows. Walter was self-taught in many aspects of his life and took pride in solving problems on his own. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to the point that one friend give him the title of "second miler". With self-sacrifice and dedication, Walter was extraordinary in the role of caregiver for family members as they grew older; however, he never wanted praise for himself. Telling stories and jokes were his forte and he never met a stranger. Walter had a spunky spirit, keen sense of humor and lots of common sense. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George and Garland Holt; sister, Ruth Rea, and a beloved aunt, Amanda Mahr. The family would like to thank the staff at James River for their loving care during the last month of his life. Also we appreciate the compassionate service provided by Hospice Compassus. Visitation will be Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 1:00 pm in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield. Memorial services with full military honors will follow at 2:00 pm. A second visitation will be Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 1:00 pm in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, Branson. Private family inurnment will be at Ozark Memorial Cemetery on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Compassus, 1465 E. Primrose, Springfield, MO 65804 or the American Cancer Society, 3322 S. Campbell, St. G, Springfield, MO 65807.