Francis “Junior” Walter, 76, of Macungie, died Sept. 21, 2024. He was a man of witty humor and wisdom, never failing to render his opinion on any subject. He had a very giving and gracious heart and met everything in life with determination and love. He had a tremendous impact on many.

He was born in Sunbury to Margaret and Francis Walter and eventually embraced by Myra and Pierce Walter, of Sunbury. Known as “Junior” in high school, he graduated from Shikellamy High School in 1967 where he was an outstanding athlete in football, wrestling and track.

He was proud to be part of the 1965, 1966 unbeaten Braves football teams that went on to play in the state championships, winning in 1965 against Blakley at Bucknell Stadium. He was a big part of their success. Before his senior year, Kickoff Magazine nominated him to the 1966 All-American team. He certainly earned it by scoring 25 touchdowns while rushing for 1,958 yards that year. He also garnered an entry into “Sports Illustrated” magazine for scoring a touchdown on the first four times he touched the ball in the first quarter of a game. The total yardage for all four touches was 330 yards. He also represented Pennsylvania in the Big 33 Game in 1967.

After high school, he attended Oklahoma State University, where he played football and earned a degree in education in 1972. He taught driver education at Salisbury High School for 30 years. He also established Walter’s Driving School in the Lehigh Valley in 1974. There was nowhere he could go without someone saying, “Hey Mr. Walter, you taught me how to drive!”

His contribution to the community was being elected and serving on the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners and as president for 16 years. During his tenure, many projects were started in the township including Lehigh Valley Hospital on South Cedar Crest Boulevard.

His biggest joy was his family. He married his high school sweetheart Ruth Bollinger and they were married for 54 years. Together they raised two daughters. He took great pride in being a husband and father. They family traveled, socialized with friends and neighbors and went on many adventures. In addition to his role as husband and father, he truly enjoyed being a “Pop” to his grandchildren.

In his final years, his best times were spent playing cards and pool with his buddies at Four Seasons at Farmington and traveling with his friends.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Kelley Schaaf and husband, Mark, Laurie Cybuck and husband, Michael; grandkids, Brendan Schaaf, Alex Schaaf, Emery Cybuck, Benjamin Cybuck; sisters, Vickie, Janet Bain and husband, Bob, Judy Newcomer and husband, Dave, Joyce, wife, Kym; many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held noon Oct. 12. A calling hour will be held 11 a.m. to noon at Stephens Funeral Home, 274 N. Krocks Road. Allentown.

Contributions in Fran’s memory may be made to the Shikellamy Athletic Department, c/o Brian Manning, 200 Island Blvd., Sunbury, 17801.