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Walter-Ross-Obituary

Photo courtesy of R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton

Walter Henry Ross

Hampton, Virginia

Feb 2, 1952 – Oct 1, 2023

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BORN
February 2, 1952
DIED
October 1, 2023
LOCATION
Hampton, Virginia
CHARITY
American Cancer Society
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R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton Obituary

Walter Henry Ross, 71, Lt Col, USAF retired, went to Heaven on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Born in Clay Center, Kansas, Walter graduated from Kansas State University (cum laude honors program), and Washburn University School of Law. He served 28 years in the Air Force, including Operation Desert Storm and multiple tours in Germany before retiring in 2002.


Walter is survived by his wife, Debra Lynn Ross; mother, Rachel Ross; children, Kim Cress, Jennifer O’Hara, Rachel Ross and Andrew Ross; grandchildren, Kayla Cundiff (Jordan) and Cobi Fleming; and great-granddaughter, Leilani Valdes. He was preceded in death by his father, Kabert Ross.


We cherished our time with "Dede" and will miss him dearly.


A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Albert G. Horton Jr. State Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk.


The family requests that any contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society c/o Pam Jordan, 18214 Farmview Lane, Windsor, VA 23487.

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I was stationed with Walter at Rhein-Main Air force base in the mid eighties. He had a kind heart and always had a smile on his face. I am sorry.I lost touch with him over the recent years. He came to my mind tonight, so I went looking for him and found him here. I am so sorry and please accept my sincere condolences to his family.And especially his kids. He was so proud of his kids. May God keep him and keep you all! Carol Mclemore, Ret. USAF

Carol McLemore

July 15, 2025 | Tampa, FL | Friend

Walter and I shared a table in Freshman Algebra class. It was a bit of an intimidating experience for me. Walter seemed to have the ability to look at a math problem and just see the answer. He was a great table mate to have if you needed help in class. We also shared the experience of having careers in the Air Force, but never had the good fortune to be stationed together. We eventually were able to share some of our experiences at our 40th class reunion. It was an enjoyable evening,...

Michael Kidwell

October 15, 2023 | Clay Center, KS | Friend

Debra and family, so sorry to hear about Walter. He fought so hard in the past years. Thinking of you. Dave and Cathy Affolter, Morganville KS

Dave and Cathy Affolter

October 11, 2023 | Other

I met Walter or Freshmen year in Van Zile Hall at Kansas State University 53 years ago. Once you got past the slender, tall, somewhat awkward person, you found a person with a soul of gold. He always maintained contact with me, sending Christmas Cards, having long talks, and often going to historical places when he was going to Kansas. Favorite memories include when he spent a whole day with my family going around Gettysburg Battle field, visiting Truman Library, and when he took my youngest...

David Ewing

October 11, 2023 | Warrensburg, MO | Friend

As compassionate a Commander as anyone could hope to have. Lynne and I are proud to have known him, and extend our condolences to his family. We will look forward to seeing him at the gathering together. God bless us all.

Darryl Bennetch

October 08, 2023 | Harrisburg, PA | Military

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