Wayne Harris Walters

Wayne was born July 6, 1940, in Ely, Nevada, the son of Harry Walters and Isabelle Harris Walters.  Wayne always showed unconditional love and was a constant companion to Judy Seifert Walters. They were married on September 2, 1967, and lived in Montana City for many years. Wayne was a loving and caring father to daughter Marcy and son Mark and was influential in many areas of their lives and the lives of their spouses David Chovanak and Dawn Guckert Walters.  Wayne enjoyed boating, fishing, mining, gardening, golf and skiing. He also hunted deer, elk, moose and ducks. On one of his outdoor adventures, he took his daughter with him one dark morning and she saw her first shooting star.

Wayne was always sharing his knowledge and experiences with them and others around him, offering up his advice in love and a helpful spirit.  His handyman skills were second to none. He was often found lending a helping hand and doing it “Wayne’s Way”. Likewise, Wayne was a constant presence in the lives of his grandchildren Riley, Morgan, Maia, and Matthew as a spiritual role model and was rewarded in return by their love and affection. He would beam whenever one of them was nearby. Grandson Riley was a willing worker and was often seen by Wayne’s side. He wasn’t heavy enough to make the lawn tractor run, so the engineer in Wayne placed a big rock behind Riley to make it go.

He attended schools in Jerome, Idaho and graduated from the University of Idaho, Moscow, in 1964 as a civil engineer and worked in road design for the Montana Department of Highways. He developed several safety measures in his designs.  For example, he was instrumental in bringing highway shoulder rumble strips that alert drivers to any accidents to Montana. He was part of the design of the beautiful section of I-15 between Helena and Great Falls along the Missouri River.  A stretch of road that will always remind us of him. 

Wayne and Judy were longtime residents on Microwave Hill Road in Montana City. Until recent years they were active in Awana and the church on the corner of Hannaford and Missoula. His most lasting hobby was reading. When his eyesight started to fail, he turned to audio books on CD. This kept Judy busy going to the library. Wayne only objected to one or two books, but it was like eating, he enjoyed everything.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Walters, daughter Marcy, son Mark (Dawn), brother Tom (Pat) of Cortez, CO; four grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Evert) Lovec of Bartlesville, OK and Jolene Fifield of Spokane Valley, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; son-in-law Dave Chovanak; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Don Hendrickson; and niece, Traci Prevel.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday May 13, 2023 11:30 am at Hannaford Street Bible Church, 830 N Hannaford Street in Helena followed by a reception. Simple Cremations Montana has assisted the family. Flowers, memorials or donations may be sent to Hannaford Street Bible Church or given to the donor’s choice. To share memories and condolences visit www.SimpleCremationMT.com

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