Walter Sleeper

Walter G. "Wally" "Grizz" Sleeper, 64, of Midland died Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at his home.

The son of the late Arza and Catherine (Furst) Sleeper was born January 31, 1945 in Beaverton where he was raised and educated.
Grizz married Connie L. Ross in Midland, May 27, 1967. He had worked at Midland Painting until 1987 when he retired because of health issues.
He enjoyed archery, fishing, "seeking with his bestest buddies" and bingo. Grizz was a musician and a member of the Double Country Band. He was a member of Painters Local #1803.

He is survived by his wife of almost 42 years, Connie; son, Wally (Kimberly) Sleeper; granddaughter, Ashleigh Sleeper; sisters, Carolyn Adcock and Patricia (Leo) Pitt; mother in law, Lucille Ross; sisters in law, Carol (Leslie) Price and Gloria Brethour; and brothers in law, Lyle (Cheryl Trudell) Ross and Mike (Peggy Sue) Ross. Grizz is also survived by special girls, Ashleigh and Kimberly Sleeper, Krista Mitchell and Margot Brethour; "bestest" buddies, Bob "Bubba" Burghardt and Bruce Sian; and special friends, the Troubadours.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Sleeper; father in law, Teet Ross; brother in law, Ross Brethour; best friends, Robert Holbert and Gary Demski.

FUNERAL SERVICES will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 9, 2009 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Youmans of Lighthouse Body of Christ Church officiating. Interment will follow in Lee Township Cemetery.
VISITATION will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 am until the service.
MEMORIALS may be offered to Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Midland or directly to the family.