Ryan Gene Walters, died on Monday, July 7, 2025 as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Kankakee, Illinois.
Ryan was born on February 12,1995 in Kankakee, IL, to Jamie Bonacci and Shea Walters.
Ryan held various jobs including positions at Pioneer Seed, SET Environmental, West Laboratories, McMahon Trucking, most recently working for Tom Franey Trucking in Champaign. Ryan graduated from St. Anne High School. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter for St. Anne Fire Department.
Ryan lived in Danforth, Illinois with his fiancé, Amber Jean Cahue, and their son, Barrett Gene Walters, age 5. Amber and Ryan met at Kankakee BBQ Fest in July of 2016 and were engaged in December of 2023. Ryan and Amber are attendees of Trinity Church in Ashkum. Amber and Ryan were looking forward to being married on August 2, 2025 at their home.
Ryan loved his fiancée and watching his son grow up. Ryan’s family farm in St. Anne, Illinois, was more than just land — it was his heart, his joy, and his roots. He also loved driving his Harley any time could. Ryan enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, riding 4 wheelers and dirt bikes, smoking food for gathering meals, being a helping hand anywhere he could and being the fun guy in the room.
Ryan is survived by his Fiancée Amber Jean Cahue, his son Barrett Gene Walters, his Mother Jamie Schave and her Husband Micheal Schave, Father Shea Walters and his Wife Beth Stein-Walters, Siblings Kayla Walters, Chase Stein, Santina Sexton, and Meagan Stein, Grandparents Randy and Donna Walters.
Ryan is preceded in death by his Great Grandparents-Donald and Elizabeth Brinkman, Cousin-Collin Rasor, Uncle-Harley Bonacci, Grandmother- Jeanie Hickey, Grandfather-James Bonacci, Grandparents-Sandy and Cliff Stein.
Cremation arrangements are being made by Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka, Illinois. There will be no public visitation or interment of his remains. A Celebration of Life will be held on the day of their planned marriage on August 2, 2025 at 3:30 P.M. at their home.
Memorials may be made to support the family in Ryan’s honor at https://gofund.me/1178143c.