Obituary of Robert F. Walls

Robert Frank Walls, 91 of Southwest Township, Warren County, was called home on Sunday, April 22, 2012 from his longtime home near Grand Valley. His mortal labors finished-the Lord has need of his talents elsewhere. Born in 1921 on a family dairy farm in Woodcock Township, Crawford County, PA, he was the fifth of nine children born to Joseph and Gwendola Walls. In 1941 he married his childhood sweetheart Ruby. She preceded him in death in 2008. He was a true patriot and loved his country. In January of 1944, Bob enlisted in the US Navy and took his basic training at the Great Lake, IL Naval Training Yard. He was assigned to fight as a Seaman Second Class in the Pacific arena on the battleship USS Washington. He was part of the deck crew which loaded the 20mm shells into the 16″ turret guns. He saw action in the Marianas, the Philippines, Leyte Gulf, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Luzon, and Peleliu-among others. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945. He was awarded the Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal with six bronze stars. Returning home, Bob worked as a partner with his father-in-law in a well drilling business engaged in drilling for water, gas and oil in western Pennsylvania. In 1952 he and Ruby relocated their family to the Titusville area where they operated a dairy farm for many years. Bob served as road foreman and supervisor for Southwest Township for 20 years and also drove school bus for 20 years for the Titusville Area School district. Bob enjoyed being a farmer, taking care of his animals, and working with his farm equipment. He enjoyed bowling, hunting with his dog “Buster”, and fishing with his family. Bob, ever faithful to his Lord, dutifully read his Bible every morning. Survivors include four daughters, Diane Tanner Sharer and her husband Dennis, Carol Tonn and her husband William, Judy Walls, and Linda Geissler and her husband John; a sister, Betty Davern; and two brothers, Waldon and Jerry Walls. He will be sadly missed by grandchildren, Regan Tanner and spouse Toni, Roxanne Tonn, Jason Tonn and spouse Karina; and great grandchildren, Trey and Ernie Tanner, Derek Spring, and Katie, Andrew, and Rachel Tonn. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Joseph, Jack, and Paul Edward Walls; and two sisters, Anna Mae and Margaretta Walls. Friends may call at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home 303 N. Washington St. Titusville on Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at which time the funeral service will be conducted with Rev. Rick Hamrick, pastor of the Youngsville Free Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Peters Cemetery in Venango County. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Youngsville Free Methodist Church 238 East Main Street Youngsville, PA 16371; to Hospice of Warren County 2 Crescent Park West, P.O. Box 68 Warren, PA 16365; or to Keystone Elk Country Alliance P.O. Box 315 134 Homestead Dr. Benesette, PA 15821. FLOWERS