Walter, Delbert G., Dec. 25, 1938- Friday, Jan. 7, 2011 Billings Gazette Billings, MT 10 Jan 2010 Delbert G. Walter, 72, of Billings, formerly of Custer, passed away of natural causes at his winter home in Yuma, Ariz., Friday, Jan. 7, 2011. Delbert was born in Billings on Dec. 25, 1938, the son of George and Rachel Walter. He graduated from Billings Senior High in 1956 and farmed west of Billings with his dad until 1962. He married Carol Jean Fitchner on Sept. 22, 1961, in Billings. Delbert and Carol moved to Custer, Mont., where they farmed, ranched and raised their four children, a son and three daughters. He was voted Outstanding Young Farmer by the Yellowstone County Jaycees in 1970. Over the years he served as a director on several boards including the NILE, Farm Home Administration, Custer Congregational Church Board, Custer school board, and irrigation boards. For several years he was recognized as one of the top sugar beet growers by Western Sugar Company. Delbert and Carol enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and spoiling their grandchildren. They enjoyed traveling (one of his favorite vacations was a trip to New Zealand) and spending winters in Arizona. Carol passed away Dec. 30, 1998. Delbert later met and married Paula Burch in 2000. He retired from farming and ranching in 2001, and he and Paula built a home in Red Lodge. They later moved to Billings to live closer to their children, and enjoyed their winters at their home in Arizona. They spent ten happy years together enjoying golfing, traveling, gardening, and laughing with family and friends. Survivors include his spouse, Paula of Billings, his son Kim (Lynn) Walter; three daughters, Cindy (Jim) Foley, Sheri (Kevin) Kirschenmann, and Teri (Mark) Smith; three stepchildren, Richard (Angelia) Sparrow, Kevin (Teri) Sparrow, and Becky Sims; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers Harvey (Hazel) Walter of Forsyth, Melvin Walter of Hardin, sisters, Gerry (Herb) Mangis of Billings, and Jeanette (Dan) Koch of Laurel. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Carol; and sister JoAnn. "Our joys are greater" "Our love is deeper" "Our lives are fuller" BECAUSE OF YOU A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at First Congregational Church, 310 N. 27th St., Billings. Cremation has taken place in Yuma, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, any memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.