Walter Morgan Pearson

Walter Morgan Pearson died peacefully in his home on Friday, Dec. 5, surrounded by family. He was 91 years old.

Walter was born in Sarasota, Florida on January 19, 1923 to John and Trudy Pearson. He was the fourth of eight children. The family later moved to Wauchula and Walter graduated from Hardee High School in 1941. He served in the Army/Air Force from 1943-1946. After being honorably discharged he returned to Wauchula where he became employed as a rural mail carrier for twelve years. He later worked as a building contractor, and then began serving as Minister of Music in several churches in the area. Some of those churches were New Hope Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Bowling Green, and then, Gapway Baptist Church in Lakeland where he retired in l984. He was a member of the prestigious group, "Florida Baptist Singing Men". After retiring from the church work, Walter developed his natural gifts as a carpenter. He proceeded to build handcrafted furniture for his family and friends - true heirlooms to be cherished for generations.

Walter Pearson was a man of strong faith and he served the Lord with joy and dedication. He also had a strong spirit of love for people, especially his family: Naomi Marsh Pearson, wife of 72 years; Daughters Brenda Raabe (Rob) of Lake Wales; and Liz Pearson, of Atlanta, Georgia. He had one grandson: Mike Raabe (Ashleigh) of Naples, Fl, and two great grandsons: Felix and Miles Raabe of Naples, Fl. He is also survived by his three sisters: Etta Cannon, of Sebring, FL; Rosella Johnson (Bob) of Rockledge, FL; and Idella Wrathall of Avon Park, FL. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews and friends.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 10:00 A.M. at Gapway Baptist Church, North Combee Rd., Lakeland. Service will follow at 11:00 A.M. at the Gapway Baptist Church. Burial will be in Wauchula later in the day.