HITCHCOCK Darwin Keith Walter, age 68, of Hitchcock, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at his home.
His service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at the Methodist Church in Hitchcock. Interment will follow at Altoona Cemetery. His service will be livestreamed.
His visitation is set for 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Methodist Church in Hitchcock.
Darwin was born Dec. 6, 1956, in Huron, to William P. Walter and Lena Ruby (Tschetter) Walter Hoelzel Hansen who were united in marriage on June 23, 1940. He was the youngest of three boys, joining brothers Lynn and Ronald. His father, William, died unexpectedly on Feb. 12, 1961. His mother, Lena, was later united in marriage to Carl Hoelzel on Nov. 25, 1964.
Darwin lived in Hitchcock his entire life. He graduated from Hitchcock High School in May 1975. He farmed on the family farm for many years and continued to farm with area farmers, helping them with their operations until his death.
He enjoyed farming, cattle, hunting, fishing, playing cards, darts, pool, watching area high school sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and teaching younger generations various life skills. One of Darwins proudest moments in recent years was teaching the younger firemen how to clean and prepare rocky mountain oysters, a very important life skill.
The fire department was a huge part of his life, serving on the Hitchcock Fire Department for 45 years, where he served as Assistant Fire Chief and Treasurer. His favorite event of the year was always Santa Day at the fire hall. He loved seeing all the kids and serving them his famously-strong Shirley Temples.
Darwin was a kind and quiet man, always willing to help whoever, whenever. He was a staple of the Hitchcock community and he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Darwin is survived by his brother, Lynn (Alice), nephew, William Bill Walter (Marsha), niece, Tasma Taz Pay-Wilke (Patrick), great nieces Abigail Abi Walter, Alison Wilke, and Caleigh Wilke, and great nephews, Gustaf Gus Walter, Bradley Wilke and Luca Herzog, as well as his beloved pug, Bailey.
He was preceeded in death by his father, William, his mother, Lena, his step father, Carl Hoelzel, and his brother, Ronald, and many aunts and uncles.
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