Walter Wesley Laster

Walter Wesley Laster, age 72, passed away Dec. 4, 2014, at his home. He was born at his family home in Benton, Ark., on Feb. 22, 1942, to Thomas and Vera Laster. Walter was a graduate of Bauxite High School and Henderson State Teachers College. He went through OCS in Pensacola, Fla., and served aboard the U.S.S. Kittiwake, ASR-13. After his Naval service, he was accepted into management training for MO-PAC RR and retired from Union Pacific RR, in Omaha, Neb., after 30 years of service. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Thomas and Henry Laster; and a nephew, Vincent Epperson. He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Jayne (Gaiser); a son, Brent Laster, and beloved granddaughter, Hannah Jayne, of Overland Park, Kan.; a daughter, Stacy Laster of Houston, Texas; a sister, Emma Epperson of Mablevale, Ark.; two nephews, Jason and Steven Epperson; and his loyal dog, Buddy. In addition, Walter leaves behind many caring friends across the country. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville; a memorial service will be held there at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9 with Pastor Clint Schnekloth presiding. Internment and military honors at Fayetteville National Cemetery at 1 p.m. Walter was very proud of his many years of volunteer service to the Fayetteville National Cemetery as well as his participation on Bauxite's '59 championship high school football team (Go Miners!). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bauxite Historical Association and Museum, P.O. Box 245, Bauxite, AR 72011; or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church's Love Bears Ministry, 2925 Old Missouri Road, Fayetteville, AR 72703. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home of Fayetteville. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com.