LAKE ALFRED - Rev. Walter R. Metzler, 79, passed away from liver and kidney failure Oct. 20, 2006 at Tandem Healthcare, Winter Haven.

Rev. Metzler was a native of Pequannock, NJ, and has been a resident here for 17 years. Rev. Metzler was a Pastor of Missionaries, a U.S. Army World War II veteran, member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred, and he was also a member of American Mission for Opening Churches.

Pastor Metzler was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years: Joyce Kayhart Metzler.

He is survived by his daughter-Sharon Metzler (Bill) Thomas of Greenville, SC; 3 sons: Gregory D. (Kathy)Metzler of Bound Brook, NJ; Jeffrey S. (Terri) Metzler of Boynton Beach, FL; Dr. Keith A. (Susan) Metzler of Lynchburg, VA, 1 brother: John Metzler of Michigan, and 8 grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sun. from 2-6 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 2425 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven. Services will be Mon., Oct. 23, 2006 at 10 AM at the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred, Building Fund, 280 E. Pierce Street, Lake Alfred, FL 33850.

Condolences to family: www.oakridgefuneralcare.com .