Kenneth Walls

Honor is defined as having strong moral character or strength and adherence to ethical principles. This is a word that depicts the man that Kenneth Walls was each and every day. Kenneth was proud to serve the country he loved, but he viewed his family as his greatest accomplishment. He was a great storyteller and loved to crack jokes and like a ray of sunshine, he could brighten the days of anyone around him with his warm demeanor and zest for life.

The “Roaring Twenties” were a time of great change within the culture of our nation as the sounds of jazz and speakeasies were all the rage and our nation enjoyed widespread prosperity as well. Otis and Julie (Bough) Walls, of Greene County, Indiana were preparing for their own exciting time as well; as Julie was due to give birth to their second child at any time. They were indeed blessed on September 3, 1921 with the healthy birth of their son, Kenneth. As one of eight children in his family, Kenneth grew up in Scotland, Indiana, located in the southwestern portion of the state. He lived as typical a childhood as any growing up during the years when our country was gripped by the Great Depression which started in the late 1920’s and continued for the next decade. Kenneth attended local schools and he played junior high basketball too. Kenneth possessed an adventurous spirit even as a young boy as evidenced by the time he jumped on a train and ended up feeding elephants in a circus when he was just 16.

On December 7, 1941 it became obvious that our country could no longer sit idly by while war raged all around us as had now been attacked on our homeland at our naval base in Pearl Harbor. Like so many other young men in our nation, Kenneth valiantly answered the call to defend our freedom and he served in the United States Army during WWII.

Life took an exciting turn for Kenneth when he was introduced to a young lady named Eileen when he was set up with her on a blind date. She was immediately smitten and soon they had fallen hopelessly in love. After only three months of dating, the couple was united in marriage on December 2, 1950 in a preacher’s home located in Bloomfield. This would mark the beginning of a new chapter in a love story which would span nearly 60 years.

The couple was soon blessed with the births of five children including three sons: Everett, John, and David, and two daughters: Sue and Anita. Kenneth and Eileen raised their children in Monrovia, Indiana where he was well known as being talented with heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. He worked hard to support his family and he was the owner and operator of Walls Heating and Plumbing Repair for what would be more than 50 years. Kenneth was very mechanically minded, possessed a strong work ethic, and gained fulfillment from his career as well.

There were attributes that were unique to Kenneth that made him the special individual that his family and friends knew and loved. He was known to have the “gift of gab” and loved telling stories. Kenneth also had a great sense of humor and people often poked fun at him saying that it took him twice as long to do some of his jobs because he spent so much time telling jokes. Another thing that his family loved to tease him about was that it took 85 years to get his birth certificate through.

Family was important to Kenneth and when he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and children. He had a way of making sure that his children knew they were unconditionally loved in their own unique way and his family was always his top priority. His children fondly refer to their father as the “World’s Best Dad!” Later when grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren arrived, Kenneth delighted in them as well, just enjoying spending time with them whenever he could.

Whether he was feeding some elephants as a young man, proudly serving his country, or sharing a laugh with a friend, Kenneth Walls carried himself with strength, kindness, and integrity. He lived his life with tremendous vibrancy and zest, coloring the world with his laughter and quick wit. It was no secret that he viewed the day he met his beloved Eileen as the greatest day in his life and that he viewed his family as a precious gift. Kenneth was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather who leaves behind precious memories that will be forever cherished. He will be deeply missed.

Kenneth Walls of Monrovia died April 6, 2009, in the Richard Roundabout Veterans’ Medical Center, Indianapolis. Kenneth’s family includes his wife, Eileen Walls; his children, Everett Lee Goodson (Sue) of Arizona, John Randall (Sherry) Walls of Arizona, David “Kenny” (Norma) Walls of Arizona, Sue Gray of Monrovia, Anita (Brian) McInnis of Arizona; siblings, Fred Walls, near Salem, Helen Goad of Bloomfield, Joan Goad of Bloomfield; 14 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Otis Leo, William H. “Bud”, Jackie Dean, Garriel E. Walls. Visit with Kenneth’s friends and family on Monday, April 13, 2009, 4-8 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 1-2 p.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel - Mooresville, IN. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 2 p.m., in the funeral chapel. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall, Indiana. Please visit www.lifestroynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial contribution to Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, Hall, Indiana.