Walter W. "Wally" Meister

Walter W. "Wally" Meister, age 82 of Hamilton passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2008 at his residence. He was born in Hamilton on January 15, 1926, the son of Harry and Mary (White) Meister. Wally was educated in the Hamilton Catholic School System. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge on March 12, 1946. Wally was employed by the Hamilton City Schools, retiring in 1988 and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. In his earlier days, Wally was an avid softball player. He played for the Hamilton Beer Mugs and Crescent Aide Clowns, taking them to many championships. He also coached Little League and Babe Ruth teams, and enjoyed following the Reds. Wally was active in the American Legion, serving as Vice Commander. With his two brothers, he served in the honor guard, leading many parades through Hamilton. On June 29, 1946 in Hamilton, he married Patricia Lyons.

Wally is survived by two sons, Mike (GeoAnn) Meister and Dale Meister; a daughter, Becky Clark; a sister, Marcella Ferguson; nine grandchildren, Derek Meister, Maj. Melissa Meister M.D., Capt. Nicholas (Juliet) Meister, Kelly Meister, Joe (Melissa) Meister, Jason Meister, Dale (Donna) Meister Jr., Julie (Mike) Gregorio, and Bethany MacKinnon: ten great-grandchildren, Ali, Zach, Jake, Justin, Danielle, Abby, Avery, Aiden, Maddie, and Noah; a great-great-grandchild, Jay-Jay; sisters-in-law Treva Wyatt and Shirley Lyons; brothers-in-law Richard Lyons and Gerald Mize; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 61 years, Patty; grandson, Capt. Mike MacKinnon (KIA Iraq); two sisters, Marian Craven and Margaret Thompson; and two brothers, Melvin Meister and Stanley Meister.

A funeral blessing will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 1:00 PM. Burial will be held in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Clair Township Ambulance Corp for all their help and efforts.