Walter Dercum "Walt" Samans

Walter Dercum "Walt" Samans, age 86, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Born in Huntingdon, PA on August 23, 1939, he was a son of the late Carl H. and Francis (Fowles) Samans. Walt's family moved to Massachusetts where he lived until age 10 before finally settling in Chicago, IL. He spent his high school years at Shattuck Military Academy in Faribault, MN, graduating in 1957. He spent his first year of college at Ripon in Wisconsin before transferring to and graduating from Parsons University in 1962 where he earned a BS degree in mathematics.

After graduation, he enlisted in the Unites States Army and was stationed in Germany working as a clerk in Army Security. Upon his discharge, he returned to the U.S. and was offered a job with DuPont Co. at the Louviers site in Newark, DE, where he worked in the Information Systems for the next 25 years. The department was transferred to Wilmington where he worked for the next 5 years, retiring after 30 years of service. Walt's former "group" became part of what is called Accenture and he was offered a position there to continue doing what he did for DuPont. He worked there for the next 7 years before retiring permanently.

He served as Scout Master for Troop 252 for St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Newark, and as Secretary of the Vandegrift Maintenance Corp.

Walt loved bowling and golf, especially golf and played every chance he got until the loss of his leg due to diabetes. He enjoyed his home and his family and was always willing to help anyone with anything. He was a wonderful husband and father.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his older sister, Susan. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Joanne Marie Samans of Middletown; sister, Barbara Samans of Livermore, CA; sons, Carl Walter of Cecilton, MD, David Walter of Houston, DE and James Christopher of Gulfport, MS; daughter, Paula Jeanine Collins of Kenton, DE; 7 grandchildren, Wally, Kristin, Chani, Benjamin, Samantha, Caitlin, and Tara; and 4 great-grandchildren, Layla, Morgan, Carter, and Ethan.

He will be deeply and sadly missed but never forgotten by the hearts he filled and lives he touched. He sits now at the feet of Jesus. May he rest in peace.

A "Celebration of Life" service for family and friends will begin at 12 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Connection Community Church, 4744 Summit Bridge Road, Middletown, DE. Inurnment will be held privately.