William F. Walraven

William Frederick Walraven passed away on July 20, 2019, two days after his 87th birthday. His wife of 60 years, Jacqueline Perri Walraven, passed away just 7 months prior. He was born on July 18th 1932 in Rome, Georgia to Susie Irene and Howard Walraven. Fred is survived by his sister Barbara Hines; daughters Susan (Joe) Eshelman , Laura (Dan) Pippin; grandchildren Amanda, Lauren, McKinley, Jake, and Leah, and great-granddaughter Kennedy.

Fred grew up in Calhoun, Georgia where he spent many years with his beloved grandmother Marianne Missouri Hobgood. He had strong attachments and many fond memories of his many relatives in the Calhoun area, particularly Robert King whom he considered to be like a brother. He moved to Akron and graduated from Central High School. He joined the army and became a paratrooper. After a parachuting accident, he returned to school and completed his Masters Degree from Case Western Reserve in Psychiatric Social Work. He enjoyed working with children at Akron Child Guidance Center for many years. He retired from the Veterans Administration where he loved working with his fellow vets.

After retirement he and his wife Jackie spent many years working out and socializing at the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium where they made many strong and lasting friendships. They lived in West Akron for almost 50 years. Recently Fred moved to Elmcroft Assisted Living in Sagamore Hills. Fred continued to make many special new friends, tell his stories, and be kind and helpful to all he met. He was proud to be an ambassador at Elmcroft and appreciated all the help he was given from the staff.

He stayed true to his quirky personality, even wanting the ambulance to stop for coffee on their way to the hospital. He will be missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place, and there will be no services per his wishes.