Walter Warren Hustede

Walter “Sam” Warren Hustede passed away peacefully in the early morning of January 2, 2025. Sam was born in Hollywood, California, on January 15, 1935. He spent his early childhood days in Long Beach, California before moving to Wheat Ridge, Colorado where both he and his brother, Richard “Rich”, attended Wheat Ridge High School.

Sam attended Western State University in Colorado for one year and then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954. He was stationed for three years at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida and for one year in Thailand before being transferred to Waco, Texas in 1967. Sam obtained the rank of Master Sergeant E7 and was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force on July 31, 1976.

Sam married Gwendolyn “Gwen” Gail Birdwell in September 1966. Gwen had two children, Becky and Tip, from a previous marriage. Sam and Gwen moved to Austin, Texas in 1968. They welcomed a son, Russell, who was born on February 12, 1970. Sam is survived by his brother Rich, Rich’s wife, Marylyn, and his stepchildren Becky Blue and Tip Birdwell.

A graveside for Walter will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S IH 35, Austin, Texas 78704.