Walter Witham

Walter L. Witham, 68, of Springfield, passed away at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at St. John's Hospital. Walter was born April 4, 1942 in Jacksonville, the son of Thomas and Velma Crawford Witham. Velma later married Claude Gristy whom Walter thought of as his father. He married Karen A. Ritchison on December 14, 1973 in Springfield. Walter proudly served our country in the United States Army during Vietnam and was a very proud recipient of the Purple Heart Award. He worked for the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture and retired after 25 years of service in 2002. He was a member of St. James Church in Riverton, as well as the Knights of Columbus #3914 in Riverton. Walter was a big fan of NASCAR and loved to go fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Claude Gristy; and two sisters, Jacqueline Walters and Janet Bierman. He is survived by his wife Karen Witham of Springfield; sons, Christopher (companion, Sarah Carlson) Witham of Springfield and Todd (wife, Alnita) Witham of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Makenna Witham, Samantha Sieve and Shea Lee; two sisters, Carolyn Burnett of Springfield and Marion Dickman of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:45 p.m. A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2011 at St. James Catholic Church, 112 N. 6th St., Riverton, with Rev. Joseph G. Ring officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County performing military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to: Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.