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Remembering Will Walls

Written on . Posted in England.

With heavy hearts, we remember and celebrate the life of Will Walls, who passed away last week after an extended illness. With the heart of a pastor, Will poured into our missionaries and staff, and he will be deeply missed.

Will and his wife, Ruth, first joined CMF as missionaries, serving with our church-planting team in Great Britain, focusing on pastoral care and counseling. From March 1995 to the end of 2003, Will also served as CMF’s Europe Coordinator, acting as the primary liaison for our teams in England and Ukraine.

CMF missionary Diane Lincoln, who served alongside Will in England, shared:

“His wisdom was so formative in the early days of the team and can still be felt today in the ways we work and relate. Will was a key mentor to me. He encouraged me to pursue my gifts and calling, which has directly shaped the ways I serve now. It’s hard to put into words the impact Will had on me—he was truly a gift from God in my life.”

Children of our Great Britain teammates said that losing Will felt like losing a grandparent. Teammate David Fittro shared:

“Our children grew up knowing a man—Mr. Will—who was always there for them. Kind, soft-spoken, gentle in spirit, and an encourager. Will was more than a colleague; he was a treasured friend and confidant.”

 

 

In early 2004, Will and Ruth moved to Indianapolis, where Will joined the CMF staff as Director of Pastoral Care. In this role, he provided vital resources and support for our missionaries, helping them grow spiritually, stay healthy, and navigate transitions. He also prepared new missionary teams for service, served as our staff human resources consultant, and facilitated communication with CMF physicians and counselors.

Before joining CMF, Will spent 23 years serving as a campus minister at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

A memorial service is planned for June 7 at 2pm at the Christian Campus House.

Will faithfully walked alongside our missionaries and staff, helping them become healthier and better equipped to do the work God called them to. His gentle spirit and pastoral heart leave a legacy that will not be forgotten.