Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton

245 South Armistead Avenue

Hampton, Virginia

Walter Ross 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Oct. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Ross

Sponsored by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton.

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Carol McLemore

July 15, 2025

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

Michael Kidwell

October 15, 2023

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, and one I am saddened we will not get to do again. I Salute You Lt. Colonel Ross. Thank You for your service and Rest In Peace. Michael Kidwell, SMSgt, USAF (ret).

Dave and Cathy Affolter

October 11, 2023

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

David Ewing

October 11, 2023

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 son and I to the old Kansas City airport. He was ... and is ... my deepest friend. I will miss you.

Darryl Bennetch

October 8, 2023

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.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Walter Ross's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Walter Ross

Oct

18

Graveside service

11:00 a.m.

Albert G. Horton Jr. State Veterans Cemetery

Suffolk, VA

Funeral services provided by:

R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton

245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669

How to support Walter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Walter Ross's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more