Walter W. Barbee

Walt was born on June 13, 1938, in Chillicothe, Missouri, to Edgar and Margaret (Eshelman) Barbee. He married Robin Porter of Iowa City, IA, June 17, 1961. They raised two sons and one daughter.

He received his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1966, and practiced general law in Spirit Lake, Iowa, for 20 years before moving to Washington to work for the Bush-Quayle ’88 Presidential campaign. He was also on the General Counsel’s staff for the Presidential Inaugural Committee and then worked at the Department of Justice. After retiring, he was a White House Volunteer.

Walt was active in his church, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Annandale, Virginia. He was a choir member, served on many committees, the Vestry, and as Junior Warden.

More than anything in life, Walt loved his family. He had an infectious smile, a quick wit, and a kind and compassionate spirit. He also loved classical music. He sailed during summers spent on Lake Okoboji, Iowa, and snowmobiled in winters across the frozen land, lakes, and rivers. Walt had a keen interest in horticulture and was an avid gardener and landscaper.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Robin, and his three children: John (wife Lisa and children Madeline and Andrew); Anne (her daughter, Lauren, and grandson, Cameron); Ned (wife Kellee and daughters Delaney and Morgan); his sister, Susan Jane Gima of Phoenix, Arizona, and a nephew and nieces and their families.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019, at 11:00 am, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 6800 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. His wish was that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Alban’s Memorial Fund.