Courtesy photo / The newly designated Arthur R. Walter Jr. Memorial Bridge crosses over Beaverdam Creek on Dunnings Highway in Greenfield Township.

A Greenfield Township bridge was designated the Arthur R. Walter Jr. Memorial Bridge by PennDOT, according to a release from Senator Judy Ward on Friday.

The bridge is located on Dunnings Highway and spans the Beaverdam Creek in Blair County. It was dedicated to Walter, who worked for PennDOT District 9 in Hollidaysburg as a transportation equipment operator for 15 years.

Walter was killed in a vehicle accident in Brooks Mill while traveling to work on Dec. 17, 2001.

“Many Commonwealth employees face risks everyday as they serve the public,” Ward said. “This bridge designation will honor Mr. Walter and serve as a reminder to everyone who travels this road that these dedicated, hard-working men and women keep our state functioning on a daily basis.”

Walter was born in Roaring Spring on April 2, 1952, the son of Arthur R. Walter, Ida K. Dicken and step­father Donald Schoening. He has six siblings: Henry Roudabush, Ray Rouda­bush, Grace Helsel and Helen Betar of Claysburg, Mary Walter of New Jersey and Donna Vildibill of Alabama.

A 1970 graduate of Claysburg-Kimmel High School, Walter married Tammy J. Smith in Claysburg on March 18, 2000. The couple welcomed son, Gabriel R. Walter of Claysburg; stepson, Douglas P. Burket of Claysburg; daughters, Mariah A. and Jessie M. Walter of Fishertown; and grandson, Bryce Walter of Claysburg.

Walter was a well-known PIAA basketball official, softball umpire and volleyball referee who worked for 26 years in area high school athletics in both Blair and Bedford counties. He also worked as an adult flag football official and an Amateur Softball Association softball umpire during the summer.

“I think about my dad everyday,” Gabriel Walter said. “I love him and I miss him.”