Walter J. "Wally" Been

Walter J. “Wally” Been, of Saint Peters, MO, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the age of 77. Beloved husband of Susan R. Been; devoted father of Shana (Brandon) Moore; cherished son of the late Walter Joseph and Helen "Toots" Been; dear brother of the late Roberta Beckmann and brother-in-law of Patty (Bill) Dean, Nancy Alexander, Mary (Kevin) Struttmann, Jim (Theresa) Gander and the late Don Gander; cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Wally was born in St. Louis, Missouri and he graduated from Cleveland High School in 1965. He then attended the University of Missouri at Rolla and the University of Missouri at St. Louis, majoring in history and mathematics.

Wally met his wife Sue when they were in high school in 1964 when she joined the Rifle Club where he was a member. They dated all through high school and college. Wally then served in Vietnam in 1968-1969. He married Sue on August 14th, 1971 and they shared over 51 years together.

Wally always had a passion for learning and this would carry on throughout his life. His mother “Toots” introduced Wally and Sue to Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1974. They too decided to have a serious study of the Bible and on August 24^th 1975 they chose to dedicate their lives to Jehovah and were baptized together. Wally had the privilege of serving as an Elder in the Hazelwood and St. Peters Congregations. They loved serving Jehovah together in the house to house ministry and sharing what the Bible teaches. Helping others to learn about Jehovah has been among the greatest of blessings and memories Sue will always treasure.

One of the best days of his life was the birth of his daughter, Shana. Wally and Shana had a special relationship where she and her parents enjoyed their morning coffee on the back patio watching the wildlife. Brandon once told Shana that no one could make her laugh more than him, except her Dad. Wally was well known for his sense of humor and making his family and friends laugh. Shana often told her Dad that among three of his favorite things to talk about were dinosaurs, trains, and nebulas while enjoying a glass of red wine. They took many family vacations to the beach and enjoyed cruises with family and friends.

Wally firmly believed in the Bible’s promise of a future earthly resurrection, and we look forward to seeing him again very soon on a paradise earth. (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; John Chapter 11)