Walter F. Harwell, 79, of Taylorville, IL passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Urbana, IL. 

Walter was born June 2, 1945, in Concord, CA, the son of Fred and Mary (Kraintz) Harwell.  He married Jane Porter on March 29, 1996, in Taylorville, IL.

Walt worked for Holland Dairy driving and delivering milk and later bought the property that the dairy was on in Taylorville and built a home on that land where he lived for several years.  Walt worked as a Taylorville Fireman for several years until he was electrocuted in the line of duty with the Taylorville Fire Department in 1983.  Then he went on to help with different farmers helping in the spring and fall.  Walt also raised and showed hackney ponies.  He was a member of the Midwest Hackney Association. 

Walt’s famous words were, “you’re never too old to learn”.

Walter enjoyed camping, car shows, tractor cruises, bonfires, working in the yard, mowing, going to tractor pulls, and driving his LSV "golf cart".  He enjoyed going to antique car shows and taking his 63 Chevy panel.  

Surviving are his wife, Jane Harwell of Taylorville, IL; his three children, Cindy (Bob Montague) Harwell of Topeka, KS, Lea (Tom) Wolsoncroft of Birmingham, AL, and Walter Harwell of Taylorville, IL; three grandchildren; and a sister, Margaret (Michael) Lockwood of Placerville, CA.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

His wishes are to be cremated, and no services will be held. 

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.