Donald E. Walter

Donald Emrich Walter who was born in Hebron, MD on November 26, 1938 passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with polycystic kidney disease. He was the fourth of five children born to the late William and Ruth Goslee Walter. Mr. Walter had been a professional long distance truck driver who, prior to his illness, was leased to Williams Refrigerated Express, now Burris Transportation of Federalsburg, Maryland. Mr. Walter, lovingly referred to as Dum Dum by his wife of 44 years, was an inspiration to family and friends during his many years of illness. He was a United States Army Veteran having served during the Vietnam Era. Although disabled for the past 23 years, he continued to serve his community as a Friend of Quota International of Salisbury, MD. He volunteered at their annual Christmas Craft Fair Fundraiser; Salvation Army Bell Ringing Campaign; Coastal Hospice fruit basket program; Cops’ N Kids Book Program; and their Deers Head Birthday Party. He was the past vice president of the Kidney Transplant Support Group of Delmarva and volunteered during the holidays at the Deers Head Dialysis Unit. More importantly, Mr. Walter served the Lord. He had been the Chair of the Administrative Council for the Mt. Hermon U.M. Church at Columbia, DE. This is the church he had attended since early childhood. He also attended with his wife at her church, The First Baptist Church of Mardela. Mr. Walter’s survivors include his wife, Diane Austin Walter of Mardela Springs; his son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Mary Walter of Ocean Pines. Additionally, he is survived by one brother and his wife, James and Joanie Walter of Delmar, DE; he is also survived by a brother-in-law and his wife, William and Catherine Austin of Mardela Springs; a sister-in-law, Charlotte Walter of Delmar, DE; a special uncle and aunt, Howard and Reba Goslee of Salisbury; and a special aunt, Isabelle Goslee Heflebower of Lawndale, CA. Also left to cherish his memory are several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, and two great-great nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; William Walter of Delmar, DE and Robert Walter of Georgetown, DE; and a sister, Phyllis East of Hebron, MD. A celebration of life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Mardela in Mardela Springs, MD on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Following the service, family and friends are welcome to attend a time of fellowship in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the memory of Mr. Walter to Mt. Hermon U.M. Church, c/o Mrs. Mary Lou Covington, 36271 Columbia Road, Delmar, DE 19940; or to the First Baptist Church of Mardela, P.O. Box 3, Mardela Springs, MD 21837; or to the Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Genuine appreciation is extended to the many family members and friends who volunteered their time to sit with Mr. Walter during his final days. The entire staff of Coastal Hospice and especially his charge nurse, Heather Jarvis, provided comfort and support during this most difficult time. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Donald E. Walter

November 26, 1938 - September 17, 2009