William Reid Walters

William Reid Walters
June 25, 1967-December 15, 2023

Reid Walters passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 surrounded by love from his mother Pat and his life partner Dave. A native Kansas Citian, Reid first confronted cancer as a teen and while it presented a lifelong challenge, it never defined him. Rather the disease gave him empathy for others, both human and four-legged, and his generosity to both was unparalleled. It is also when he fully engaged his sense of humor. He likely could have been a stand-up comedian. Or as one friend said, “He was Lucille Ball without the red hair.”

Reid worked in the restaurant industry where he was known for his engaging personality and caring customer service. Whether at work or play, Reid’s mere presence lit up the room.

If you ever needed a laugh or a kind word, Reid was your go-to guy. His wit is legendary. Quiet acts of kindness for others defined him. Those who call Reid “friend” number in the hundreds and one’s description of Reid likely says it all “an amazing soul full of love and humor”.

Even as a young boy, Reid had a discriminating eye for things of value and a respect for the pieces he collected at his frequent thrift shop and estate sale visits. Whether it was a once fine piece of furniture that had been neglected or a silver tray that hadn’t seen polish in decades, Reid would restore the piece and bring it back to beauty. That hobby continued throughout his life.

He had an overall appreciation of beauty. His clothes and costumes reflected that. Not only was he a spiffy dresser and groomed for whatever the occasion, he enjoyed costumes for himself and some of the dogs who would go along with it.

In the years that Reid and Dave had their place on the Lake of the Ozarks, weekends were filled with guests enjoying the good life. In the time that Reid was more sedentary, his huge picture window in the living room of their beautiful home gave him a view of the world.

That view has now become more expansive. Awaiting his arrival at the Rainbow Bridge was a huge gathering of dogs, cats and even a rabbit and duck. Any animal in crisis found its way to Reid’s home and heart.

Reid was preceded in death by his father. Bob Walters. Survivors include his life partner of 36 years, Robert David Butterworth; mother Patricia Pauline Koch; aunt Paula Houston Koch; cousins Shelia and Steven Saathoff, and Todd, Chad, and Joel Calltharp; and a trio of four-legged companions—Bob, Vivian, and Jim. Reid was loved by family both two and four-legged, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. He was well loved because he loved well.

Celebration of life to be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Memorial donations may be made to KC Pet Project in honor of Reid’s unfailing love for all animals.