Walter Roy Gilliam, 69, died in Tucson, AZ where he was living with his son, Scott Gilliam, on December 27, 2017.

Walter was born on June 4, 1948 in Haar, Germany to Roy and Elizabeth Gilliam. Walter served in the United States Army from 1966-1968. He served in Vietnam with 1/83rd Artillery Division and fought during the Tet Offensive in Hue. He was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.

Walter had the wonderful opportunity to live in St. Louis, MO with his son and daughter Thomas and Carrie, in Las Vegas, NV with his son David for several years, and then his final six months were spent in Tucson, AZ with his oldest son Scott. While he was with each of his children and grandchildren, he spent time playing cars, attending basketball, softball and baseball games, track meets, cheer and gymnastics meets for his grandchildren. He had a great love for being outdoors and with those he loved. He became everyone’s number one fan and will remain so. His children and grandchildren will forever hold on to and cherish each of those memories.

Walter Gilliam was a caring son, a kind brother, a brave soldier, a loving father, a loyal friend and an adoring grandfather. He loved each and every person he came in contact with and took the time and effort to get to know everyone. He loved with his whole heart and his compassion will continue to embrace all those he left behind.

He is survived by his mother, Elisabeth (Bermeier) Gilliam, his sister Cindy (Gilliam) Buha and brother-in-law, Matt Buha, his four children, Scott Gilliam and wife Ashley Gilliam, Carrie (Gilliam) LaFontaine and husband Lawrence, David Gilliam and wife Golda Gilliam and Thomas Gilliam. He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren: Taylor, Courtney, Cain, Jacob, Dylan, Eryka, Summer, Kennedy, Skye, Jaxson, Tyler, Gavyn and one great-grandson, Trent.

He is preceded in death by his father Roy Norman Gilliam, who served in the United States Air Force.

Walter was a fighter throughout his entire life and made everyone around him stronger. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

A viewing will take place at St. John’s United Church of Christ in St. Charles, MO on Thursday, January 4th from 4-6pm. A burial service will take place at Jefferson Barracks on Friday, January 5th at 2pm.

Instead of sending flowers, we ask to please make a donation to Operation Homefront to help military members and their families with financial assistance and family support for wounded veterans or veterans with PTSD. Donations can be made at www.operationhomefront.org