Walter S. Andress, Sr. - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Walter S. Andress, Sr.

March 26, 1931 - June 30, 2019

          Walter S. Andress, Sr., age 88, of Newark, DE passed away at home on Sunday, June 30, 2019.

          Born in Wilmington, DE on March 26, 1931, he was a son of the late Harry and Elmyra (Wedhorn) Andress.  Walter was a graduate of H. Fletcher Brown Vo-Tech High School.  He spent his 42 year career as a mechanic, inspector and supervisor for the PA Railroad and Amtrak.

          In his younger years, Walter enjoyed crabbing and fishing.  He spent his spare time remodeling houses for relatives, watching college basketball and solving crossword puzzles and cryptograms. Walter had a significant influence in the lives of many people throughout his life, including many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

          In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Edith Phillips, Barbara Cox, Helen Marich and Lillian Boggs; and brother, Harry Andress.  Walter is survived by his children, Maria “Mia” Cirks (Jeffrey, Sr.) of Middletown and Walter “J.R.” S. Andress, Jr. of Hockessin; sister, Virginia Sanderson (Jack) of Wilmington; and grandchildren, Jeffrey Cirks, Jr. (Kylie), Taylor Cirks, Conor Cirks, Ethan Andress and Jakob Andress.

          A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10 am.  Entombment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

          In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Walter’s memory to St. Francis Healthcare Foundation, 701 North Clayton Street, Wilmington, DE 19805.

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9 Condolences for Walter S. Andress, Sr.

  • Mia, JR and families…..we are so sorry for the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  • So sorry for your loss. I will keep all of you in my prayers!!

  • To the family of Walt sorry for your loss, Walt was one of the nicest guys to be around and will never forget all the laughs and good times we had working together, he was my foreman at Wilmington Shops and will be missed. One of the best!

  • Rest in peace my friend. My heart goes out to your family for their lose. The railroad family will always remember you for your kindness and generosity.

  • JR and Family, so very sorry for you loss, you family is in my family’s prayers.

  • JR and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

  • Just a few days ago I lost another old friend from our neighborhood. And now Walt has left us. This is a sad “trend”, but let me share some happy things about Walt. I knew Walt for several years when he was living across the street from me in Bear. And he was a terrific neighbor! A good a guy as you could ever want to meet. A truly kind and thoughtful man with a rare sense of appreciation for those around him. I don’t think I ever saw him lose his temper. Walt preferred kindness, understanding, and logical thinking to deal with whatever circumstance he happened to find himself in. And Walt worked hard to keep his property and his home in good shape, and it always looked welcoming. I had the privilege of spending some time with Walt and his family during some of their family gatherings. He had some wonderful friends and very kind, thoughtful, and often funny family members. I am not a party person, but Walt and his gang always found some way to make his events happy and enjoyable. Maybe it was his very special personality, but if you met him, you were sure to quickly come to like him. I remember one time many years ago during the winter, Walt was shoveling snow in his driveway. He was having trouble getting some thick ice off of his driveway near the street. I had an “ice breaker bar” with me so I walked over to give him a hand. We worked together and quickly had his driveway all clear and safe. It wasn’t a big thing to me, but Walt was amazingly appreciative. I think Walt was always like that – he showed his appreciation for the people and things around him, whether they were large or small. And perhaps that is what I will always remember most about Walt. I have never before or since come to know any man who even came close to Walt in showing that he valued others perhaps even more than himself. And this is a rare thing indeed. To all of Walt’s family I ask God to help you quickly turn your grief into joy in the belief that he is not in any pain and is already receiving the special rewards for the very special man that he was on this earth. And finally, I say to Walt, until the day we meet again and maybe even have a special “party” somewhere out there, I will miss you and wish you eternal peace and happiness.

    – Your old neighbor and always your friend – Rick

  • My dear sweet friend, very sorry to hear the passing of your dad. It is so very hard for not only you and your family, but everyone that your dad had touched their life in one way or another . Mom and I are sending hugs and prayers to you and your family, we love you all, today, tomorrow, yesterday and always.

  • Deepest condolences…
    Keeping you all in my prayers for God’s comfort to soothe your hearts😇🙌🌷