Dr. John Wayne “Doc” Walters, 78

Dr. John Wayne “Doc” Walters, 78, of Carrollton, went to be with his Lord and Savior, while being surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at Centreville Village in Carrollton after a long battle with brain cancer.

Doc was a faithful member of The Bridge, a satellite of the Carrollton First United Methodist Church, and dedicated his life to serving others. He was a board member, served as a lay leader, and went on several mission trips with the church.

Born on April 30, 1945, to the late Thomas and Eileen (Ray) Walters, he was raised on a local farm in Harlem Springs. He graduated from Carrollton High School, where he was on the wrestling team and a four year member of the FFA club. His journey continued at The Ohio State University, where he lived under the football stadium, working there to support his education and support all Ohio State athletics. In 1971, he proudly graduated from The Ohio State University Veterinary School. Upon graduation he immediately returned home to Carroll County to start his veterinarian practice.

For a remarkable 52 years, Doc served as veterinarian for Carroll County and the surrounding areas, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of countless animals and their owners. His commitment to the well-being of both pets and livestock was unwavering, earning him the respect and gratitude of the community he served.

Doc was an avid supporter of Ohio State, Carrollton, and Mogadore athletics. His passion was to attend Ohio State football games all around the country with his family. He also forged strong connections and family bonds by attending Mogadore sporting events and any other competitive activities that his grandchildren and loved ones were involved in.  

Beyond sports, Doc had a passion for giving back to his community through generous support and was recognized by several organizations including the Carroll County’s Humane Society and community clinics, Carroll County Dairy Association, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Animal Protection League, Junior Fair Board, 4-H, and the F.F.A.

Doc was not only a dedicated professional, but also an active member of the community. He was a member of the Pelican Club, played and coached men’s softball teams, sponsored his family’s basketball and softball teams, and owned many standardbred harness race horses over the years. He was inducted into the Carrollton High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009, the Farm Bureau Hall of Fame in 2015 and received a Carrollton Community Service Award in 2021. Also in 2015, he sacrificed attending his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes vs Xichigan game to serve as the Grand Marshall at the Carrollton Christmas parade. 

He will forever be remembered as a man whose kindness, generosity, and passion enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of the community he served and the countless lives he touched. Although he will be dearly missed, his spirit will live on in the memories of those who were privileged to share in his journey.

Doc is survived by his three children, Sharon (Tavis) Walker, Wayne (Jennifer) Walters, and Sonia (Doug) Barcus; seven grandchildren, Emily, Noah, and Timothy Walker, Kendall and Cole Barcus, and Genevieve and Abbigail Walters; seven siblings, Donna (Bob) Modranski, Gerry (David) Marteney, Harry “Ken” (Laura) Walters, Bob (Charlotte) Walters, Patty (Keith) Barnett, Steve (Teresa) Walters, Dick (Brenda) Walters; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. at The Bridge, 170 Kensington Rd. NE Carrollton, Ohio 44615 with Rev. Dr. Kimberly Arbaugh officiating. A private burial will be held. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at The Bridge. Family and friends are encouraged to wear their favorite Ohio State attire to the services to honor Doc Walters.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carrollton First United Methodist Church at 253 S. Lisbon St. Carrollton, OH 44615 or the Carrollton FFA Alumni at 8343 Seemann Drive SW Carrollton, OH 44615.  In the memo section please denote “In honor of Doc Walters.”

Dodds Funeral Home assisted the family with services.