EUGENE CARL WALTER June 22, 1936 – Feb. 27, 2024
Eugene Carl Walter passed away peacefully at home on February 27, 2024, following a battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
Born in Bedford, PA on June 22, 1936, Gene lived a fascinating and extraordinary life. His charming, funny, sincere and light-hearted disposition shaped every decision he made as a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend and meticulous scientist. He was a responsible hunter, Eagle Scout and scout leader, magician, trap shooter, soldier, Oregon Ducks fan, collector of Winchester Model Twelves and a volunteer docent at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, just to name a few of his many passions.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife Susan, whom he lovingly called “The Blonde”, parents Carl and Elsie Walter, in-laws Charles and Muriel Champe, Sister Mimi Brannon, brothers-in-law Randy Champe and Chris Champe, and several beloved pets.
Gene is survived by his son Ryan (Katie) Walter of Dallas, TX, Sister Nancy (Dennis) Krenz of Albuquerque, NM, Sister Carol (Dan) Syroid of Park City, UT, Brother-in-Law Jerry Brannon of Albuquerque, NM, Brother-in-Law Drew (Debby) Champe of Tucson, AZ, Sister-in-Law, Sue Champe of Pomona, CA, best friend Charlotte Christian of Albuquerque, NM, and many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gene graduated with a BS in Geological Engineering from UNM in 1959. Following graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Army helping fight the Cold War. He spent six months under the ice shelf in Greenland constructing a nuclear reactor on a classified military operation, “Project Iceworm”.
Upon his honorable discharge as a Specialist Five in 1961, Gene returned home to New Mexico. After six years working as an engineer for ACF Industries, Gene began his MS degree in Metallurgical Engineering from New Mexico Tech, which he completed in 1970. Gene was set up on a blind date with Susan by their mothers and met at a UNM Football game in 1969. They were married on September 12, 1970, and enjoyed a wonderful 48 years together.
In 2001 Gene retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory, after a 25+ year career working as a Metallurgical Engineer at TA-55. His retirement allowed him the time to focus on things he loved including turkey and pheasant hunting, trap shooting, discussing the importance of ladder safety, delivering Krispy Kremes to loved ones, maintaining his fruit tree and always ordering dessert.
Private interment into Santa Fe National Cemetery will be followed by a memorial on April 5, 2024. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Gene’s honor to the following: Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Rescue: www.wmranch.org/donate-1, The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science: www.naturalhistoryfoundation.org/donations, or the New Mexico Tech Scholarship Foundation: https://advancement.nmt.edu/Walter-Tribute.