Pete Walters, 99, of Newark, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 4, 1927, in Newark, Ohio. He attended Jacksontown High School, where he was an outstanding student athlete, serving as Vice President of the Licking County Honor Society and lettering in football, basketball, and baseball all four years. He earned numerous all-county and all-state honors and held the national high school football scoring record with 63 points in a single game.

Pete attended Miami University (Miami of Ohio) on a football scholarship for two years before enlisting in the United States Air Force at the end of World War II. He was stationed at Howard Air Force Base in California, where he played all three sports on the base traveling team.

Upon returning home, Pete met Barbara Null and they married in September 1950. He joined the Newark Fire Department and served for 28 years before retiring. A lifelong entrepreneur, he purchased Acme Sheet Metal and Roofing while still serving as a firefighter. He later bought a neighborhood bar on Cedar Street, which he named Pete’s Place (which later became Bummie’s after he sold it in the early 70’s).

Pete’s true passion was coaching. He led American Legion Post 85 for more than 30 years, winning numerous district, regional, and state championships. He was most proud of the lifelong friendships he built with his players—many of whom stayed in touch with him until his final days. He also coached Granville Little League (where his sons played) and the 17-18-year-old summer travel teams after retirement. Together with Jimmy Alan, he helped build the new Varsity baseball field at Newark High School after the old YMCA Yankees Stadium was torn down.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Gladys (Smoke) Walters. his brother Bob Walters, and his oldest son, Doug Walters, who passed away at a young age from Cerebral Palsy.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Barbara (Null) Walters; sons Jeff Walters, Mark (Cindy) Walters, and Dr. Todd (Christy) Walters; grandchildren Linzie Walters, Josh (Keirstin) Walters, Cody Walters, and Cory (Sergio) Villaloboz; and great-grandchildren Noelle, Ava, Asher, Gio, and Ronyn. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

For 30 years, Pete and Barb spent winters in Florida, where they enjoyed golf and reconnecting with friends from across the country. Back home, Pete worked part-time as a starter at the Granville Golf Course (now Denison) and The Links at Echo Springs, playing several days a week. He cherished seeing old friends and meeting new ones on the course.

A devoted sports fan, he loved following the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark. Burial will take place the following morning with immediate family.

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