Walter Laitas age 88 of Metamora passed away at 7:15am Saturday March 27, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 28, 1921 in Danville Il, to Mike and Lucille (Misiunas) Laitas. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Rooker Oct. 25, 1945 in Minonk Il. She passed away in 1995. Surviving are five daughters Jeanne (Jim) Stump
of Ft. Wayne IN, Peggy (Rob) Hatfield of Lombard IL, Cindy (Kenny) Kiesewetter of Metamora, Becky (Brian) Epping of Bloomington IL, and Susan Laitas of Aurora IL. Seven grandchildren, Elisa (Jason) Bennett, Keith Gaskill, Katelyn Hatfield, Michael (Teri) Hatfield, Sara (Matt Jenkins)Reeves, Jenell (Scott) Hecathorn, and Kelsey Epping. Three great grandchildren Gavin and Seth Bennett, and Makenna Reeves. Walter was preceded in death by 5 brothers.
Walter was a Sgt. in the Army Air Force during WWII from 1941-1945. He served in the Medical Dept. in the 6th Air Corps Troop Carrier Squadron in the Pacific Theater under General MacArthur.He received a BS from Illinois State University and his MS from Bradley. He played football at ISU for four years,and was inducted into the ISU Football Hall of Fame and was also voted one of the Top 100 Players of all time. He taught at Metamora High School from 1948-1988. He was Metamora’s 2nd Football Coach, and coached the program for five years. Member of American Legion Post #89 in Metamora. Long time member of Metamora Christian Union Church where he had served on the Church board. He was a member of the church’s Mens Club and helped with meals on wheels. Walter was a lover of nature and was a avid bird watcher. He was a huge fan of Metamora football. Walter and his brother attended Westville High School in the late 30’s where both of them still own the 100 yard dash record. He was our Hero.
A memorial service will be at 11:00am Wednesday March 31, 2010 at the Metamora Christian Union Church. Rev. Gary Salm officiating. Visitation will be from 4pm until 8pm Tuesday March 30, 2010 at the Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel. Burial of ashes will be Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora, where military rites will be accorded Legion Post #89. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials can be made to Metamora High School Athletics or Metamora Christian Union Church. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com