Walter H. Vinton, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 3, 2011 in Springfield, Missouri. Walter H. was born September 28, 1914 to William A. (Bill) and Elizabeth H. Vinton in their family home in Springfield, Missouri. He lived his entire life in that home until moving in to a care facility. Walter H. joined his father in the family business Vinton Farm Equipment that is now known as Vinton Supply at Grand and Kansas Expressway. He worked in this business for 60 years. He loved fixing things and was a great practical joker. He served as part of the “Greatest Generation” in the Army during World War II. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association of America. He loved to hunt and fish in his younger years. Walter H. and his father shared a passion for growing roses. He was a member of the Rose Society and had won many awards for his prized miniature roses. He invented a water wand that became the number one tool in the nation to keep spider mites off the roses.
His beloved parents and cousin John C. Vinton and his wife Mary of Strafford, Missouri, preceded Walter H. in death. He is survived by cousins John William Vinton of Strafford, Missouri, Connie Vinton-Schoepske and her husband, Michael of Strafford, Missouri, Connie’s children and grandchildren; Rebecca, Aaron, Aven and Kimberly Winberg of Evansdale, Iowa, Bethany and Ryan Curtis of Greenwood, Indiana, and Brittany and Brandon Kleinmeyer of Des Moines, Iowa; James K. Vinton and his wife Connie of Indianapolis, Indiana along with James’ daughter Vikki Epstein and her husband Eddie of Dover, Delaware. Many friends and customers also survive him.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 7, 2011 from 4 – 7:30 p.m. at Greenlawn North Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 1 p.m. Walter H. will be laid to rest along side his parents in Maple Park Cemetery immediately following the service.
The family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Reeder, The Gardens Assisted Living, The Manor at Elfindale, and Hospice Compassus of Ozark, MO for the superb care extended to Walter H. and his family.