Walter John Burr, 83, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2016, at the Mountain View Hospital. Walter was born in Detroit, MI to Harry and Catherine Burr. He lived most of his early years in Detroit and Norwalk, CT, with his sister Marylynn Buckley, and brother Henry Burr. Walter attended St. Edward's High School in Austin, TX and went on to serve in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956. Walter graduated from Purdue University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout his life he was a huge Purdue sports fan. Walter had a career as a metallurgical engineer in the steel industry for over 31 years.

Walter is survived by his two children Robert (Laura) Burr of Richland, MI, and Theresa (Luke) Ikard of Las Cruces, NM; five grandchildren, Nicholas and Cassidy Burr; Faith, Luke and Ashlynn Ikard; brother, Henry Burr; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life mass will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 N. Miranda, Las Cruces, NM 88005. Very Reverend Richard Catanach will be officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Riverside Ceremony in Norwalk, CT. Memorials may be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005.