HERKIMER: Edward H. Walrath, 97, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 with the love and support of his family by his side. Born in Herkimer, on February 23, 1916, Ed was the son of the late Byron Ward and Julia Ann (Matthews) Walrath. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1936 graduate of Herkimer High School. On October 8, 1941, he married MaryAnn Volk in Herkimer with whom he shared a loving marriage of 44 years until her passing on February 22, 1986. Edward was proud of his country and on April 1, 1943 he entered the United States Army. He was honorably discharged on April 15, 1946 serving as a Corporal. He worked for over 30 years at Remington Arms, retiring in 1977. He was a member of the East Herkimer Fish & Game Club, the Herkimer American Legion and the Herkimer Special Police Force. Referred to as "Tink", Ed loved to tinker with small engines. He enjoyed his summer home at Piseco Lake, as well as hunting and fishing. For Ed, family functions were made special any time that he was surrounded by his daughter and son-in-law, granddaughter and great grandchildren. Family was first and foremost and his grandchildren were his pride and joy. He will be sadly missed by them. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and David Blackwell of Herkimer, a granddaughter, Melissa Bixler of Herkimer, his beloved great grandchildren, Kelsey and Kyle Bixler, a sister, Lillian Walrath Farber of New Hartford; his in-laws, Elizabeth Volk of Somers and Francis Crist of Richfield Springs; nieces, nephews, and cousins including special nephews, Cap Fuller and wife Carlotta and David Farber. He is also survived by a special neighbor, John Lindsey and his good friend of many years, Joe Collea. He is predeceased by a son, Byron James Walrath; his sisters, Margaret Fuller and Gertrude Spellman, and a special nephew, James Francis Farber. In lieu of floral arrangements, those wishing to make a contribution in Edward's memory may consider Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413 or the Piseco Lake Fire Department or Ambulance Corps, Lake Pleasant, NY 12108 Ed's family will honor his wishes of no public calling hours. Funeral services will be held on Monday December 2, 2013at 11:00 a.m. from St. Francis de Sales Church, North Bellinger Street, Herkimer, where the Very Reverend Mark Cunningham will Celebrate Edward's Mass of Christian Burial. Internment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer in the spring with full military honors. The family is being cared for by Harry and Kevin Enea of the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315)866-1011.