BELLA VISTA — Walter Anthony Sheldon,

81, passed away from cardiac complications on the 22nd of June, 2020, in Bella Vista, Ark.

An Internal Revenue Service agent and CPA, Walter was a loving husband and father who was deeply passionate about volunteering and community service, often donating his accounting acumen to the betterment of others.

A memorial mass will be held 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Bella Vista. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are observing strict rules of social distancing, including facemasks. No reception is planned.

Walter was born in Berwyn, Ill., to parents Walter Anthony Sr. and Mary Frances Sheldon. He graduated from St. Mel High School in Chicago, Class of 1956, and received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tenn., Class of 1960.

Walter spent more than three decades working for the Internal Revenue Service, including as an instructor in Chicago before taking over in 1973 as manager of the IRS office in Wausau, Wis., supervising 19 employees. He rose to senior regional analyst, focusing on industry specialization programs. He was part of the IRS team that developed Form 1040EZ, which simplified how many Americans file their taxes.

Walter was deeply committed to his family, including his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara, and their four children, Cynthia, Peter, Paul and Matthew.

Barbara and their children survive him, as does Matthew’s wife, Kari, and their children, Theodor and Lillian. An esteemed grandfather, Walter enlisted young Theodor in his hunt for trophy bass, and lovingly supported Lily in her budding theatric career. He was an avid sports fan, rarely missing a game — whether his kids were playing or in later years from his couch where he became a top-tier armchair QB.

“Wally” was generous in sharing his expertise with his children and others on a diverse range of subjects, from the finer points of pouring concrete to completing the most complex tax forms. He was past president of his local AARP chapter; past local chapter president for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association; fourth-degree Knight and state officer for Knights of Columbus; usher, projectionist, Youth Group advocate and Men’s Club member at St. Bernard’s Catholic

Church; a leading advocate for the successful incorporation of the city of Bella Vista; foundation board member for the regionally acclaimed Bella Vista Recycling Center; instructor of tax policy for North Central Technical College in Wausau, Wis.; and a passionate clinician or speaker at various civic clubs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas, 75231-4596, or online at https://tinyurl.com/ DonateWalterSheldon.