Walter Lewis Duhl

Mr. Walter “Walt” Lewis Duhl, age 87, departed this life on January 8, 2021, at Grandview Manor Care Center in Franklin North Carolina. Walt is reunited with his beloved wife Arlene Duhl, his two sons David and Robert, and his cherished furry companion Boomer. His youthful spirit is carried on by his daughter Marianne Olson, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and countless friends from every walk of life.

Walt was born July 28, 1933, in Jackson City, Ohio, to Oscar and Maria Duhl. He grew up in that same small town with his seven siblings and later raised his own family in Trotwood, Ohio.

If you were to ask Walt what he was most proud of in his life, he would have told you it was the honor of serving his country in the military. He joined at the age of 17 and served as a machine-gunner in the 1st Marine division, 2nd Battalion during the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during battle. He was rarely seen without his hat that proudly displayed his service as a US Marine and when posing for a picture always made sure it was perfectly atop his head and slightly to the side. He was a member of the American Legion Post 487 in West Milton, Ohio, and Post 108 of Franklin, North Carolina. He emphatically embodied the saying “Once A Marine Always A Marine.”

Upon completing his military service, he worked for National Cash Register Company in Dayton, Ohio, and started a Christmas tree business with his sons. Years later, with his uncanny ability to fix or build anything, he started a new career as a handyman cleverly known as “Mr. Do-All.” Frequently, he would offer his services at a discounted rate—or at no cost—so that those who were less fortunate could still get their needs met. He and his wife later moved to the wide-open fields of West Milton and settled on a large piece of property where he made countless memories with his grown children and grandchildren who would spend most of their summers “on the farm.” One of Walt’s greatest pleasures in this world was feeling the warm sunshine on his face, which later inspired a move to sunny Western Florida. A few years later, he and his wife would finally settle in the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina to live out the remainder of their earthly journeys.

Walt was preceded in death by his beloved wife of five decades, Arlene Duhl—along with his two sons Robert and David, and his daughter-in-law Robin Roddy—all of whom were taken from this life far too early. Walt was no stranger to loss; his parents passed away when he was just 8 years old. In spite of such profound tragedies, he always maintained his love of life with a carefree attitude, cherishing each moment spent with family and friends.

Anyone fortunate enough to know Walt couldn’t help but share in his appreciation for life and love for the simple things. Whether it was lazing the day away fishing and having cookouts or fish fry’s from the days catch; watching his favorite westerns or scary movies; dancing to bluegrass music played by a live band on a backyard stage he built himself; enjoying “mater sandwiches” from his garden-grown tomatoes; sharing a cold beer on the porch, watching the sunset over the lush Franklin hills through the haze produced by his ever-present Virginia Slims, his adoring dogs Boomer and Puggy settled on either side; listening in awe as he shared stories of his time as a US Marine, or sharing a laugh while reminiscing on times past—each moment was a gift.

One of Walt’s most admirable qualities was his acceptance and respect for walks of life that differed from his own. “To each their own,” was his nonjudgmental response in the face of diversity. Quite simply, he accepted people as they were. May we all continue to spread Walt’s legacy of kindness by accepting those who may be different from ourselves.

Due to the limitations imposed by the current pandemic, funeral services will be postponed until a time in which we can all celebrate Walt’s life in the way he’d have expected—dancing together to a live bluegrass band, with plenty of Bud Light to share. If you would like to be notified of future services, please email your contact information to walterduhlservices@gmail.com

Last but certainly not least, would like to thank the actual angels at Grandview Manor Care Center for the loving care and company they provided for Walt during his final days. They held his hand, kissed his forehead, and provided comfort when we could not. There are not adequate words to express our gratitude for their bravery and kindness during the last weeks of Walt’s mortal journey. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.