William "Eugene" Halterman

William “Eugene” Halterman, age 83, of Staunton, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Highland County, on February 25, 1943, a son of the late Howard L. and Allie Marie (White) Halterman. On November 22, 1963, he married Sandra Gutshall.

A graduate of Monterey High School, Eugene was raised on his family’s farm, who was a proud and active member of the Monterey High School FFA. After marrying Sandra, they moved to Staunton in 1964, where he worked for the Department of Transportation for two years before joining his brother, Dale, at RW Cash Plumbing and Heating. In 1968, Eugene began working for United Parcel Service, retiring after 30 years of service and safe driving, where he was also a member of the Million Mile Club. He spent his weekends returning to Highland to help his dad on the farm. Once his children were born, they took numerous trips to Virginia Beach and Douthat State Park fishing. When their children graduated, Eugene and Sandra enjoyed many cruises to the Caribbean Islands, and loved spending special weeks at the Outer Banks with the grandchildren. He looked forward to the weekly gatherings to share a meal and time spent with the family.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, his family were truly his pride and joy. He was so happy when his youngest granddaughter, Haili, who shared his love of the farm, decided to become an agriculture teacher. He always looked forward to his weekly visits with Jordan, who would bring Nora and Dean. He was delighted when Justin would stop in and share what was going on at the farm and shared his photos from his game cameras.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, H. Dale and L. Wayne Halterman; and dear friends, Leon Brooks and Henry Goodbar.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 62 years are his children, Christa Halterman Conner and husband, Myron of Weyers Cave, and Shaun Patrick Halterman and his wife, Dinkey of Stuarts Draft; grandchildren, Jordan Conner Smitherman and husband, Zac of Staunton, Haili Halterman Smith and husband, Hunter of Elkton, and Justin Patrick Halterman and fiancée, Makayla Breeden of Sherando; great-grandchildren, Nora Jean and Dean William Smitherman; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as his best friends, Dean Mannon, Don Watson, Dennis Sellers, Arthur Pitsenbarger, Rick Halterman and Kevin Goodbar.

Per Eugene’s request, the family will commemorate his life privately.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, PO Box 909 Fishersville, Va. 22939.

Special memories shared by his grandchildren:

My Granddaddy was and will always be the foundation of our family. He was a loving and hardworking family man with a tough, country boy exterior. He was wise and shared his life advice with us, along with his lively jokes. He supported me and all of my life choices with unconditional love, even if he didn’t always initially agree with them. I cannot think of a time that he was not there - at a family gathering, a school event to support me, or to help with a home project. I cherished every phone call and every visit that began with “not you again!” when I arrived, followed with the warmest hug. His vibrant personality filled every space he was in and left us wondering what he would say next. Some of my favorite memories with him include the summers spent at the farm with our family. From waking up early to search for deer and bears, playing in the creek, and all the grandkids learning how to drive on his Kawasaki Mule that took us all over the mountain. Granddaddy was also incredibly close with Zac, his grandson by marriage. Zac and I were blessed to present him with a new title to add to his list - Great Granddaddy. I never saw more joy on his face than when he would see Nora Jean or Dean William walk through his doorway. The love that his great-grandkids have gained for him in their short time on Earth has been immense. He was one of my very best friends. He will forever be the most loving “Grumpy Granddaddy” and it is the honor of a lifetime to have been his granddaughter.

- Jordan, granddaughter

My grandfather meant more to me than words can truly express. Growing up, my little brother and I were fortunate enough to spend many nights with him and Grandmother, and so many of my favorite childhood memories were made at the farm during summer breaks. Every day was an adventure, whether it was cleaning algae out of the cattle water troughs, picking blackberries, learning to operate the equipment, or simply riding around the property finding things to get into. I loved watching him care for the farm, from mowing and spraying weeds to tending to his gardens at home, which were always the best. Granddaddy was determined, hardworking, stubborn, and full of wisdom. He was always willing to offer advice when I called with questions, share his tips and tricks, and remind me to never give up when things got hard and to always give everything my very best. He taught me not only the value of hard work and determination but also what true love should look like. I will miss hearing his voice, especially when he would joke about me being a pig farmer, his familiar sayings of "eat it or wear it" and "oh good golly," and his warm, gentle, yet strong hugs. I will especially miss how genuinely interested he was in everything I accomplished, always wanting to hear how contests and events went and looking forward to seeing pictures of what I was doing. My grandfather meant so much to me, and I am forever grateful for the memories, life lessons, advice, and love he gave me. He helped shape the person I am today, and I hope he knew just how much he was loved and how big of an impact he had on my life. I will carry all of the memories and lessons he taught me every day as I teach the next generation of agriculturalists, passing along the same appreciation for the land, the value of hard work, and the determination he instilled in me. Although I wish I had more time with him, I will forever cherish the time I was blessed to have. A piece of him will always live on in the lessons he taught me, the land he loved, and the memories I will carry with me throughout my life.

Love always,

Your determined granddaughter, Haili

Grandaddy and I always loved to get away from today’s society together. Whether it was hunting, fishing or farm and garden chores, I always loved spending time with him and learning from his endless knowledge. He never ceased to showcase the golden rule, treat others the way you want to be treated. The endless memories on the farm between hunting, fishing or just sitting and talking will never be forgotten.

- JP, grandson