Walter Paris Jr.

(Feb. 4, 1934 - Sept. 2, 2011)

Walter Paris Jr. died Friday evening, Sept. 2, 2011 in Cody. 

Walt was born in 1934 at Napoleon, N.D. 

While a young child, his parents moved to Billings, where Walt grew up, attended school and graduated from high school. Walt began working at age 13. 

Because of his high scores in mathematics, the Burroughs Corporation recruited Walt. After technical training, Walt became a field engineer in what was then a new field of technology, computers. He was with the Burroughs Corporation for 41 years.

Walt married Rose Ellen Reed in 1954. After moving to Butte, Mont., the first of three children was born. In 1958 the family settled in Missoula, Mont. Walt was passionately involved in church ministries and activities as a music leader and Sunday school teacher. He was well known for his fine tenor voice in church, barbershop quartets, and choral organizations.

Walt returned to Billings and married Mildred Rock in 1974. Soon after their marriage, Walt and Millie moved to Cody. Walt’s fourth son was born in 1977.

Walt set a high standard as a father. He taught his sons to love God, enjoy nature, care for the needy and work hard.

Together with his wife Mildred, Walt chose to use his retirement years working as a minister in the Gideon organization. A worldwide ministry, the Gideons place the Bible, free of cost, into the hands of any person wanting to read God’s word.

Walt will be remembered as a caring family man, a faithful church member and a passionate worker for the Gideon’s organization and other church ministries.

Walter Paris, Jr. is survived by his wife Mildred; sons Gregory (Anna) Paris, Rodney (Donna) Paris, Allen (Renae) Paris, Jeffrey (Tammy) Paris; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held at the Ballard Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 7. An online guestbook is available at www.ballardfh.com.

Memorial donations may be made through local churches to the Gideons International.