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I am sad to find out today that Walt had passed. He was stationed with my husband at Ft. Benning GA and spent a great deal of time at my home. The small group of medics was my family as I had never been that far from my own.
We all hung out nearly every night and on the weekends. I have many memories of him. We would all stay up late and chat and listen to music. He would cuddle with our dogs and they loved him too. He shared his love of art with me and introduced me to amazing music. After he left the Army you could say we all lost touch with him. I would check in on him periodically to make sure he was ok. Today I randomly thought of him so I decided to look him up once again only to find the tragic ending of his life.
He was a great friend, a kind soul, and would do anything for us. My heart hurts and I wish I could have said good bye and told him what he meant to me. And to thank him for being my family when mine was so far away.
May you have eternal happiness Walt as you float among the clouds. Until we meet again my friend.
My son served with Walt in Basic Training and Fort Benning. One weekend after not seeing my son for a while, Walt drove him down here to Jax, Fl, so our son could have a visit home . Walt came into our home and was a total gentleman - and curiously, he was attracted to our cat; a tortoise calico. I tried to warn him she was not a very nice cat - she new she was pretty and used that as a guise to draw in prey. (Kind of like that cat on Shrek.) Walt was short on his visit and used the rest room to freshen up - as he was heading out to another destination.
As soon as he exited the rest room, the cat was right outside the door waiting for him. I have to chuckle as his instinct was to reach down ant pet her. Well, needless to say - she tore into him like a tornado. He came around the corner saying - I didn't do anything - really! And I told him I was sorry and that was what I was trying to warn him about.
It is a sweet memory I will always have of Walt.
Sincerely,
Erin Murphy
Thank you Erin for sharing that very sweet story of my brother.
Just wanted to add a link regarding U.S. Veterans and Crisis Intervention: http://www.facebook.com/veteranscrisishotlink & http://dbesolutions.com/thewarwithin.html are great places to start.
I shared a memory that wasn't posted here. Walt once said he would like to watch the jellyfish apocalypse with me, sit back and watch the whole world destroy itself. Though I was but a brief part of his life, I really would have liked to be by his side to see what happens---and maybe even to help make some part of our worlds better for everyone. I...wonder if anyone who is signed up here might be willing or interested in talking with me on the phone a short while. As bizarre as it may be, I feel as though I can't really function without understanding a few things. My e-mail address is cloudedtranslucency@yahoo.com. I will be happy to give a phone number after contact is made through e-mail. Please know. that this. is very important to me.
I took that photograph. I just learned of Walt's passing today, and though few may understand how devastated and distraught I feel (because I knew him for such a very short period of time), I want to say that I know what a tragedy it is that he is gone and that I'm very sorry for all of those who are in pain this winter because of what has happened.
Walt visited me in Kansas City for Christmas in 2008. He said our lives would forever be intertwined. He never gave me an explanation for extracting himself from my life and I dispaired because of his silence and stalked him online occasionally to see the art he'd made or...curious at his happenings, always hoping for his happiness.
We played on a gargantuan ice fountain the day I took the picture of him in the hat; we slipped, slided, peeked into green-gloomed water holes where lights shone and we could almost see water droplets freeze on their way to the rest of the mass.
His way with words was as magnificent as his whimsical doodles.
Though I didn't know him long and felt I knew him far too quickly, though I've questioned for two years whether or not I knew him at all, I do know he had a lot to offer those close to him-- and a lot he could have given his world.
He will always be my most powerful mystery.
-Christa
Walt's picture just appeared on my facebook page. I am so sorry to hear the news that he is no longer with us. I worked with Walt. He was the most incredible and honorable male aide I have ever worked with. I was blessed to know him even for one short year.
Thank you for writing this...and for knowing him.
I miss you so very much walt! you were such a great friend to me through all these years we have known eachother! you were always there for me to listen and i wish i could have been there for you.:( i pray everyday that you are happy now and that you are watching over your family. I hope you forever know what you mean to them. I have known you since i was in 3rd grade and i miss everyday that we laughed together and smiled together. May you sleep with the angels and know we all love and miss you more than words can express.
I miss you, monkey. I didn't do enough, for you or Sheryl. I'm sorry I wasn't as good to you as you were to me. I'll live with this forever. But I love you. I can still hear your laugh. Thank you for the memories.
Shay & Family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I've read the articles. I know Walt was so special to you all. Take comfort in knowing that you will see Walt again someday. May you all find peace somewhere in this storm.
Thank you Laura, they are two bright lights, maybe too bright for this worldThe articles were written before any investigation but unforunately there is no way to tell exactly what happened according to the detective. Not that it matters because they are gone reguardless of how they went. We are deeply moved by all the support and all of the prayers, intentions and thoughts from friends, strangers and family. I feel that they are thee one thing giving me the strength to cope and do what we needed to do for Walt and my mom.
I never had the opportunity to meet Walt but I do know his mother and how much she loved him. Walt brought joy to many. Both Walt and Sheryl were deeply loved by many whose hearts will be forever broken. May this site bring a nugget of comfort to all. Wishing Peace to all especially Walt and Sheryl.
Maureen Dunkel
Tampa, Florida
Thank you, Maureen. I appreciate your love and prayers. Melody
I find it very interesting that you have this memorial all of Walt. No pictures or any word said about the INNOCENT women HE KILLED!!
I don't know who you are but your comment is very inappropriate and upsetting to all involved. I created this site Walt is my brother. If you want to create a site for Sheryl please feel free but as I never met her I cannot create a memorial site of her life. When making inflamatory accusations please get your facts straight. There is no proof that Walt took anyones life but his own. Only Sheryl and Walt know what happened that day, for whatever reason they choose totake their lives. Walt did not murder anyone. If you dont have anything nice to say dont say it at all.
I DON'T KNOW HER EITHER, BUT I DO UNDERSTAND HER COMMENT! It IS A FACT he took her life!! You are obviously in deniel! Murder-Suicide are the key words! MURDER!!! GUN FOUND NEAR HIM! NOT HER! CHECK THE FACTS! iM JUST SAYING IT WOULD BE NICE TO MENTION THE OTHER SOUL THAT WAS TAKEN WAY TO SOON!
to the two girls saying he "murdered" sheryl, you need to get the facts before you come and cause such disrespect. clearly you didn't know walt or sheryl, so maybe you should try and talk to people WHO KNEW them and who know what happened before you come on here acting like feminist freaks. rip walt!
This page is for Walt and his family. They are all over the US and Overseas. We want to come here and find comfort with his memery. We all loved him dearly. God is the only judge here. Unless you were in the cave with Walt and Sherly please keep you remarks to yourself. Our family and Sherly have a long way to grieve before we can heal. So please let us remember Walt's smile and the great times we had with him in his short time on earth. RIP Walt
I choose to leave this comment up after the respectance site suggest i delete it because of its inflamtory nature. Please allow me to leave this site as a open forum as I am paying for it and I want people to be able to express themselves freely. Don't tell people they are in denal or havent done research. Does it really matter who died first? They are both dead. As for "research" did you read a newspaper article or did you as i have spend hours on phone with Park Rangers, Sheriff Deputies that investigated and found a tragic goodbye letter from the young lady., found them together, in the cave. If They dont even know what happened how are you so connected that you are for sure what happened in the cave. Please keep the sanctimonious comments to yourself so that both families can have some pease. The FACTS are that everyone is at a great loss without them here. They made a choice to do this and this is something, however uncomfortable that we have to accept. Much Love, Namaste, Shay
I must say, INNOCENT wonen is not the word I would use, and while both of there deaths are a damn shame. If you knew Sheryl at all toward the end, You would know that is was not a murder. Maybe he pulled the trigger, but I can tell you she was the one behind the bullet. Do not presume to know what happened in that cave, you will never understand.
You were always a good friend. You were great to talk to. You always made me laugh. I will miss you. You were a friend to me when I didn't have many. I am sorry for how your life ended my dear friend.
i remember in 8th grade when we almost got suspended for being in a 'secret society'. i remember in high school when you would pass me in the halls and shake my hand, because that's just the way you were. i remember living with you and chris after high school and all the times we stayed up all night, listening to music and talking. i remember sharing stories of triumph and pain, crying and laughing and just being. i'll remember.
Do you remember what that secret society was called? It was called "The Whole" and I did get suspended for that secret society....good times.
Do you remember what that secret society was called? It was called "The Whole" and I did get suspended for that secret society....good times.
Please keep the family Sheryl Allen in your prayers as well. My thoughts and prayers are with the LeMaire Family.
Eric, Yes, we are keeping her family in their prayers and thoughts. Walt and Sheryl have linked us forever, and I pray they have peace, and feel loved. Melody Muller (Walt's mom)
We are grieving for the loss of both of them. I made this page to be a remerance of Walts life and not just his death. They were both taken way to early and only Sheryl and Walt know why they decided they wanted to leave this life. Our heart goes out to everyone who knew them. I never met Sheryl or her family but I am keeping them in my thoughts and prayers.
walt , i will m iss you i am glad i got to know you again, my pray and my heart is with you. love aunt mayola
Remember you when you were little teasing Halaya and Summer
Words cannot express how sorry we are that this tragedy has happened. You were a good mother to Walt and I know that he loved you very much and you loved him. We don't know why these things happen, but at least now he is at peace with himself. The hardest part of all of this is for the loved ones left behind. Know that I am here for you any time, any day. I am praying for you and your entire family. Know that God is there with you, just lean on him.
Love always, Annette and Lisa
shay dewey
12 years agoThank you Trisha, he meant a lot to all who knew him.
Erin Murphy
12 years agoThank you Trish - you took care of my son, as well!
Erin Murphy
12 years agoThank you Trish - you took care of my son, as well!