Obituary of Walter E. Portwood

Walter E. Portwood, 87, died suddenly Sunday, December 6, 2015, at his rural Oxford home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Friday, December 11, 2015, at the Oxford United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at the Oxford Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday at the church in Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Walt's memory to the First Responders or to the Oxford United Methodist Church. Online condolences for his family can be posted through the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Walter Elmer Portwood was born May 21, 1928, in rural Oxford, the son of James and Lena (Kopf) Portwood. He married Viola M. Kriz on May 21, 1949, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Walt was been a farmer since he was old enough to farm, he had it in his blood, and he s loved the land his entire life. In addition to farming, he enjoyed coon hunting, traveling with Viola, Blue Grass Festivals, and of course the trait of always figuring with his numbers. Walt loved to visit with his friends and always had a story or two to share. But most dear to his heart was his family, he loved the fact that most of them were so near he and Viola! His family includes his wife, Viola; their children, Walter R. Portwood (Linda), Elaine Gunzenhauser (Terry), Russell Portwood (Cindy Maher), Sharon Donohoe, and Debbie Malone (Wayne); his grandchildren, Tim Portwood (Jenny), Robin Beard (Will), Mindy Portwood, Brian Portwood (Ashley Smith), Kevin Gunzenhauser, Tracy Andes (Chad Brown), Adam Donohoe, Chrissy Osmundson (Rob) and Aimee Malone; and his great-grandchildren, Tyler, Lydia, Dylan, Wyatt, Piper, Reece, Rogan, Hallie, Deakon, Zoe, Izabel, Gavin and Norah; and Walt's brother, Ivan Portwood and many nieces & nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, and 3 siblings, James Portwood, Emily "Dolly" Vana, and Helen Richerson. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Walter's family and his arrangements.