“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9

Cohen Lee Walters, 81, went to meet Jesus April 15, 2021. He lived life to the fullest even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 30 years ago.

Cohen Lee was born in Kirksville, MO, on May 12, 1939, as the only child, to the late Cohen Richard and Dorothy Eugenia (Hocker) Walters. He attended Stinson School, a country grade school in Adair County. He then attended junior high in Kirksville and graduated high school from Kirksville Bible School. He received a Bachelor of Missions from Kansas Christian College (formerly KCCBS) and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Truman State (formerly Northeast Missouri State University).

Nearly 64 years ago, he married his high school sweetheart, Twila (Dodsworth) Walters, on May 25, 1957, in Kirksville, MO. He leaves behind Twila along with their two sons, Richard Lee Walters and wife Karla of Blue Creek, Belize, and Lonny Lane Walters and wife Nichelle of Kansas City, MO; seven grandchildren, Nicole, Desiree, Leandra, Jonathan, Roselita, Ty, and Trace Walters; Everett Frady of Kirksville, MO, who was like a son to him; three sisters in law, Anna Marie Dodsworth of Delta, CO; Wilma Dodsworth of Kirksville, MO; and Lorena Suman of Defiance, OH and one aunt, Lujean McCollum of West Helena, AR; In addition, he leaves six Dodsworth nephews, one niece, their families, and a host of longtime friends.

Cohen was a farmer and spent most of his lifetime on his family farm west of Kirksville. Farming, hunting, fishing, cabinet making, teaching and hosting family and friends were some of his favorite things. He loved the land, but loved Jesus more, so he served his Lord as needed by pastoring in Olathe, KS; Coatsville, MO; and Colorado Springs, CO. He was also Superintendent of Kirksville Bible School (1966-74), appointed by the Governor to serve as Adair County Clerk (1990), and a social worker at Preferred Family Healthcare (1991-96). He served as president of Novinger School board, president of the church board, and a Sunday school teacher for many years. His love for others was shown in the way he served in these different roles throughout his life.

A Celebration of Cohen Lee’s life will be held on Monday, April 19, 11:00 AM, at the Kirksville Church of God (Holiness) at 1601 N. Elson Street. As a skilled woodworker, he crafted the cross that currently hangs in the sanctuary. He and Twila attended church there and served in different ways through the years. There will be no visitation. Burial will follow at the Parkview Memorial Gardens in Kirksville. CL will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Cohen Lee may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri (https://hospiceofnortheastmissouri.org/donate/) or American Parkinson Disease Association – Greater St. Louis Chapter (https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/st-louis/ways-to-give-stl/donate/) and may be made online, left at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.