Eugene Walters obituary: Vancouver pastor remembered at age 96

Rev. Eugene H. Walters, 96, died Feb. 24, 2026 in Vancouver, WA; a memorial service is scheduled April 18, 2026 at First United Methodist Church.

Rev. Eugene H. Walters died peacefully in Vancouver, Washington on Feb. 24, 2026, at age 96. He was born Sept. 8, 1929, in Portland, Oregon. Walters served for many years as a United Methodist minister, including missionary work in Alaska and pastorates in Oregon and New Jersey. He retired in 1995 and later moved to Vancouver to be closer to family. Key details: - Born Sept. 8, 1929, in Portland, OR, and died Feb. 24, 2026, in Vancouver, WA, at age 96. - Preceded in death by his wife, Carolann (Snarr) Walters, in 2016; survived by three children, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and six foster children. - Graduated from Willamette University and earned a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary. - Began ministry at Linden Ave Methodist Church in Jersey City, served Vermont UMC in Portland, opened a Wesley House and served at First UMC Fairbanks and Anchorage UMC while in Alaska, and later served multiple Oregon congregations before retiring. - Hobbies included collecting coins and stamps (notably items from Tonga), singing in church choirs and bell choirs, and outdoor activities while in Alaska. - A memorial service is scheduled for April 18, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Vancouver, and the obituary notes donations may be made to the church's Allegro Campaign for worship and organ renewal. Summary: His decades of ministry, missionary work in Alaska, and service to multiple congregations are presented as central elements of his life. A memorial service is set for April 18, 2026, and the obituary records an option for donations to the Vancouver First United Methodist Church Allegro Campaign.