Walter Earl Crist, 97, passed away August 1, 2017 at Diversicare Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hutchinson, Kansas. The son of Earl and Ora Crist, he was born in Friend, Kansas on October 3, 1919. He was a retired carpenter.

A master woodworker, he made children''s toys for his grand and great grandchildren. He never refused to accept a challenge when it came to his woodworking trade and taught his family his tools of the trade.

On January 7, 1945 he married the love of his life, Grace Evelyn Mickelson Carr in Bentonville, Arkansas. She preceded him in death after 57 years of marriage on May 27, 2002.

Other survivors include 3 sons John (Norma) Carr, Gordon (Diana) Crist, Ed (Rayetta) Crist; 4 daughters, Janet Flint, Karen (Jerry) Gilkey, Gloria (Scott) Callaway, Tonya Appel; 28 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 1 son, Dale Carr, Jr,, 1 daughter, Sandra Newkirk, 2 grandsons, 3 great grandsons.

A gathering for family and friends will be held Thursday, August 3, 2017 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Old Mission - Heritage Funeral Home, 528 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas with a celebration of life to be held Friday, August 4, 2017 at 10:30 am at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 1028 E. 16th, Hutchinson, Kansas. A celebration of life for friends in Great Bend and Pawnee Rock will be held Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Christian Church, 519 Centre Street in Pawnee Rock, Kansas. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Hospice and Homecare of Reno County, Kansas and left in care of the funeral home.