Ralph M. Walters Jr., 75, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 27, 1928, in Johnson City, Tenn., son of Ralph M. and Fannie H. Cassier Walters Sr. He and Betty Jo Germain were married May 7, 1955. She preceded him in death Oct. 6, 1999.

Mr. Walters served in the U.S. Air Force from Nov. 22, 1952, until his retirement Nov. 1, 1973. At the time of his retirement he had attained the rank of chief master sergeant.

He later worked three years for Ocean Plastics and also owned and operated Die Bier Haus in Pocahontas.

Mr. Walters was a member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau, American Legion Post 133 in Perryville, Mo., and was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church at Pocahontas.

Loving survivors include three sons, George Walters of Huntsville, Ala., David Walters of Jackson, Roger Walters of Irving, Texas; two daughters, B.J. Abernathy of Cape Girardeau, Nancy Fadler of Jackson; a brother, Jim Walters of Virginia; two sisters, Frances Zych of Wisconsin, Shirley Moore of Virginia; two granddaughters, Pamela Walters of Maryland and Kyleigh Walters of Jackson.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Evan Walters.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. today, and after 9 a.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Robert Mann officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with a military honors service.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.