John Walter, founder of Walter’s Wholesale Electric in Southern California, has died peacefully at the age of 97.
John founded the company in 1952 with his father, Les Walter. Under John’s guidance, the company has grown into a major national supplier. John grew with small contractors, then added the additional work of energy management, infrastructure support, low voltage and large contractors. Walters has branch locations throughout Southern California.
John served his country as part of the occupation force in Germany after World War II. As a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, he learned logistics and assisted in Allied efforts to stave off mass starvation after the war. He returned to California to marry the love of his life, Lou Bell, who died in 2008.
John was an avid pilot, a popular golfer and known for his kindness and kindness to employees, vendors, customers and everyone he met. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
