Ordained as a minister at church in Douglas County Walter Windfield Eyman, 91, of Springfield, passed away July 30, 2006, at 8:35 a.m. in Quail Creek Nursing Home, Springfield. He was born Sept. 21, 1914, in Waynaka, Okla., the son of William and Francis Eyman.
On March 2, 1946, he and Ellen (Stephens) Eyman were married in Liberal, Kan. He retired from working in various vocations at the age of 65. He was ordained as a minister on May 29, 1954 at Y Freewill Baptist Church in Douglas County. He was a member of Friendship Freewill Baptist Church. He loved to sing gospel songs and do recitations by memory. His favorite one was, “What Heaven Means to Me.” He pastored Plad, Hercules and Bethel Churches.
Walter is preceded in death by one infant daughter Reta Lynn Eyman, a twin of Rick Eyman, his first wife, Verna, two sisters, Izetta Ross and Nadine Martin, and one brother, Lewis Eyman.
Survivors include Ellen, his wife of 60 years; five sons, Marvin and wife, Paula, of Springfield, Steve of Springfield, Russell and wife, Kay, of Fair Grove, Ronnie of Springfield, Rick and wife, Marnida, of Conway; one sister, Roglanda and Moon Mullins of Denver, Colo.; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; two sons by his first, deceased wife, Verna, Terry and wife, Patti Eyman, of Canon City, Colo., and Rex and wife, Patricia, of Wichita, Kan.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Walter was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with burial in Prairie Hollow Cemetery. Visitation was Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity or to Friendship Freewill Baptist Church.
