Everett Walls

Everett Henry Walls, 85

Everett Walls—a good-hearted man quick to smile and even quicker to help—peacefully passed on August 7, 2025, at home surrounded by family in Pine, Arizona, from complications due to dementia.

He was born November 18, 1939, in Keiser, Arkansas, into a share-cropping family. He worked on the farm and in the rice and cotton fields until 1957, when his family settled in the Aurora, Illinois area. That’s where a very dapper Everett met May Glenn, whom he charmed into marrying on November 19, 1960, at the First Presbyterian Church in Aurora.

Everett was always a hard worker whose mechanical skills were surpassed only by his incredible people skills. He was both a great union leader and manager during his thirty-five-year career at Lyon Metal in Montgomery, Illinois.

Fishing, bowling, storytelling, and motorcycle touring were some of his favorite pastimes.

He retired in 1996 and, after exploring the country in an RV, he and May moved to Apache Junction, Arizona. He helped people in the 55+ retirement community– installing and fixing anything that needed to be done. People loved his friendly greetings, good stories, and his generous and helpful attitude.

Everett is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, May (Glenn) Walls; his children, Lori (Bill) Dickey of Sandwich, Illinois; David (Barbara) Walls of Pine, Arizona; twins Garry (Pam) Walls of Paw Paw, Illinois; and Sherry (Dave) Henriksen, of Oswego, Illinois. He leaves grandchildren Jeff (Stephanie) and Rob Davis; Alex (Lisa), Tim, and Jacob Walls; Ryan (Samantha) and Emmett Wirtz; Jason (Dayna) and Lucas Atkinson, and Katie (Matt) Weso. He leaves a sister Shirley Finley (Herb Temper) of Hudson, Florida. He also leaves many wonderful great grandchildren.

Everett was preceded in death by his parents, Doffis and Pearl (Webb) Walls; brothers, Ervin (Ione) Walls and Delbert Walls; and half-sister Vadean (Al) Adiarte.

Everett Walls was a lucky man. The people around him considered themselves even luckier for having known him and been a part of his life. He will be greatly missed. A small family celebration of his life will be held in Illinois at a future date.