from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Dr. Dale E. Walters, 85, of Delaware, Ohio, died Nov. 6, 2012.

Dr. Walters was born August 19, 1927, in Beallsville, Ohio, the son of the late Emory and Lena Walters. He graduated from Beallsville High School in 1944 and The Ohio State University in 1952 where he earned his degree in veterinary medicine, finishing first in his class.

He was a Navy veteran, having served in 1946-1947 as a medical corpsman.

Dr. Walters was a 60-year resident of Delaware and was a highly respected veterinarian for which he practiced for more than 50 years. He also owned Sugar Valley Farm on Troy Road where he raised champion Standardbreds. Two that he was especially proud of were Saccharum, who earned $805,295 and was inducted into the Ohio Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2011, as well as Sugar Valley Dudly. Both were trained and driven by his son, Billy.

He was a member of AAEP, OVMA, USTA, OHHA and the Old Stone Presbyterian church.

Dr. Walters married the love of his life, Evelyn Blue, on Dec. 26, 1953.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Linda (Gary) Mays; son, Bill (Debbie); grandsons, Joe (Patty) McLead and Jason McLead; great-grandson, William; brother, Don; sisters, Hilda and Joan (Bob); as well as many neices and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Audrey.