ELKHART -- Bobby Ray "Butch" Walters, 50, of 57797 Kreighbaum St., died at 6:33 p.m. Friday (June 16, 2006) at his home.

He was born Feb. 22, 1956, in Elkhart to Densil R. and Hazel A. (Sears) Walters.

He is survived by his companion, Marla Ishmael, at home; his mother, of Elkhart; one son, Bobby R. Walters Jr. of Elkhart; one daughter, Sheila (Lonnie) Duran of Elkhart; three sisters, Pam Walters of Mishawaka, and Jane Roberts-Walters and Lisa (Greg) Thompson, both of Elkhart; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, who died in 1999.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Wednesday funeral service, all at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Pastor B.J. Bishop of the Elkhart Church of God will officiate, and burial will be at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart.

Mr. Walters was known for his sense of humor and his enjoyment of cars. By his early 20s, he and his father had founded Walters Auto Sales and he was instrumental in the operations of the dealership. The business is run today by Butch's nephew.

Mr. Walters spent the next 30 years in the family business and became active in interstate and local auto auctions, including the Mishawaka Auto Auction. He was a member of the Elkhart Church of God on C.R. 4 in Elkhart and was an avid Notre Dame fan. He enjoyed a good card game, having dinner out with his family and catching an episode of "Cops" on television.

Memorial donations will go toward starting a scholarship in Butch's name for the continuing education of auto mechanic students, c/o Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514.