Walter Ramsey

Mr. Walter E. "Walt" Ramsey, age 89, of Herrin , IL , died Sunday, July 7, 2013 in the Herrin Hospital . He was born June 21, 1924 to Monroe and Minnie (Shaffer) Ramsey in Colp Ill. He married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Wiggens, September 12, 1942. They celebrated 70 years of marriage. She survives Walt was raised on a farm, but always dreamed of flying airplanes. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in January 1943 and was trained to be a ball -turret gunner on B-17s. He was sent to Italy where he flew missions to bomb the German ball-bearing factory\ies. His plane was hit by rocket fire on his second mission. He was blown out of the airplane as it exploded and once on the ground, was help to escape by the Yugoslavian partisans, evading capture for 6 weeks. He stayed in the Army Air Corp as it became the Air Force and completed 29 years of service. He was awarded many medals and honors, among which was Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. This medal is awarded for single acts of meritorious achievements, in volving superior airmanship. The Oak Leaf Cluster designates multiple superior acts. At the end of his career, he earned the ruby pin for 15,000 hours of safe flying. Walt graduated from high school in 1942 and in 1978 received a degree in automotive Technology from John A. Logan. Walt was a member of the !st Christian Church in Herrin where he was baptized in 1944. He served as Sunday school teacher, Youth Group Leader, Deacon and Elder. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Marion E. and Herbert A. Ramsey. From his marriage of over 70 years came what he called his "precious gifts", his children: David Scott (Lynn Linday) Ramsey and their children Bryan and Chris,Bruce (Beth Kluge) Ramsey and their children Tim and Molly, Jon Ramsey and his children Jason and Erin, Jim Ramsey and his children Brian and Savannah, Ginger (tom) Boden and their children, Erin, Tom, Jessica, Sidney, and Jackson. Also 5 great-grand children, one sister and brother Teresa McDonald and Carol (Sue) Ramsey both of Paducah Kty. and many nieces and Nephews. Walt loved people and was loved and respected by all who knew him. His motto for a good life was, "love God, love country ,love family." Services will be at Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin Friday at 11:00 am with the Rev. Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home Memorials can be made to the !st Christian Church. Burial will be in the Herrin City Cemetery with full military rites by the American Legion and V.F.W Post from Herrin and Illinois Nation Guard Honors Detail.