Walter was born to Robert and Teresa Thompson on November 20, 1938 in Ventura, CA. He moved to Bakersfield at an early age and has lived here for the past 74 years. He was a land surveyor for the County of Kern for 35 years, until his retirement. Walter loved restoring hit and miss engines as a hobby and enjoyed displaying them at the Taft Oil Museum and Kern County Fair. One of Walters greatest pleasures was gathering with friends for coffee and fellowship. Any given day, he could be found on "neighborhood watch" with his best friend Danny. He also enjoyed going to the swap meet with family and friends looking for treasures. Walter was preceded by his loving parents and sister, Thelma. He is survived by his loving wife Janet; Son Bill and Cyndi Thompson; Daughters Cathy and Gary Morgan, Tami and Bruce Burleson, and Cindy and Jesse Luna; 12 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren. He will truly be missed by his family and friends. Walters funeral services will be held on Friday September 19, 2014 at Wasco Memorial Park at 9:30 A.M.