John Walters

John David Walters, 81, of Gladstone, MO, passed from this life Friday, May 1, 2020, at NorthCare Hospice House, North Kansas City, MO, after battling an extended illness with diabetes and cancer. Born on January 31, 1939 in Terre Haute, IN, he married Norma Jean Royer May 25, 1958. He was a graduate of Lewis Township High School, Coalmont, IN; International Journey Barber and Cosmetology School, Indianapolis, IN; American Divinity School, Chicago, IL; a three-time graduate of Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN where he received his EdS degree. Dr. Walters began his work in education as an instructor at Indiana State University. He was an adjunct professor in industrial relations at Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO and an administrator for the Kansas City, MO school district. Additional studies were at Garret-Evangelical Seminary, Chicago, IL; Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Olney Central College, Olney, IL; and Midwest Nazarene University and Midwestern Baptist Seminary, Kansas City, MO. Dr. Walters was a member of the Friendly Grove Baptist Church, Lewis, IN and served as a bi-vocational minister in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. After his retirement from education, Dr. Walters returned to barbering where he worked for the Famous Barber Shop in Platte Woods, MO and Jim’s Barber Shop in Liberty, MO and later retired due to health reasons.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Joe and Elsie Walters of Jasonville, IN; a daughter, Rhonda Jean Meers of Kansas City, MO; a grandson, Michael Joseph Meers of Kansas City , MO; a sister, Johanna Dunn and a nephew, Paul Dunn both of Terre Haute, IN.

David is survived by his wife, Norma Jean, Kansas City, MO; granddaughter Katherine Meers Hurteau and husband Ryan, Seattle WA; and former son-in-law, Sam Meers and wife Julie, Kansas City, MO, and two nieces. Private services and interment will be held at Terrace Park, 801 NW 108th Street, Kansas City, MO. Service will be conducted by family friend, Reuben Siverling.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Michael Joseph Meers Nursing Scholarship at Children’s Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108.