Walter Frank Carey

Walter was born on May 5, 1938, in Brockton, Massachusetts, to Frank and Marion Carey. From an early age, Walter possessed an adventurous spirit, a sharp mind, and an unwavering sense of duty—qualities that would shape a lifetime of distinguished service to his country and devotion to those he loved.

At just 17 years old, Walter enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserves at Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida. Following his graduation from the aviation maintenance program at Lindsey Hopkins Vocational High School in June 1956, he entered active duty with the United States Air Force. He completed Fire Control Technician training on the B-47 bomber at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado, before being assigned to Homestead Air Force Base, Florida.

In 1961, Walter was selected for training as a tail gunner aboard the B-52 Stratofortress. After completing specialized training at several installations, he was assigned to Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico, where he accumulated nearly 1,300 flying hours. His service included numerous 24-hour Operation Chrome Dome missions, patrolling the Soviet border in nuclear armed B-52 bombers during some of the Cold War's most critical years.

In January 1967, Walter was recruited into the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), graduating with Class 67B. His first assignment took him to Detachment 5008 at Pleiku Air Base, Vietnam, where he worked alongside U.S. Army Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Montagnard tribesmen to locate and disrupt enemy personnel and supply routes entering South Vietnam from the North.

In January 1970, Walter was assigned to District 5 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. While serving there, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. He remained at Wright-Patterson until retiring from active military service in 1979 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt). Throughout his military career, Walter earned numerous peacetime and wartime decorations in recognition of his courage, leadership, and service, including the Bronze Star.

Retirement from the Air Force marked only the beginning of a second distinguished career. Walter accepted a position as a fraud investigator for the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) in Houston, Texas. In 1981, he returned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as a civilian Special Agent with AFOSI. During the next 17 years, he served in a variety of investigative and supervisory positions, ultimately attaining the grade of GM-14 as a senior fraud investigator. In April 1998, Walter retired after an extraordinary 41 years of combined military and federal civilian service.

Walter believed that service extended beyond his profession. He was a lifetime member of the Association of Former OSI Special Agents and was an active member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #73 in Beavercreek, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8312, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).

Outside of work, Walter found his greatest joy in the outdoors and in the skies. He loved fishing the waters of Canada, Alaska, and the Florida Keys, spending time boating and fishing, and flying and maintaining his own airplane at Greene County Airport. Whether on the water or in the cockpit, he embraced every opportunity for adventure and never lost his love of learning, exploration, and freedom of flight.

Above all else, Walter treasured his family.

Walter was preceded in death by his youngest child, Jeanne Victoria Carey, who entered Heaven at birth, and his loving parents Frank and Marion Carey.

Walter is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathy, and daughters, Tina Davis and Angela Magee (Derrick); grandchildren Ray Marlow, Angelo Brown (Arlet), Avery Magee, and great

grandchild Eliana.

Walter is also survived by his former wife, Vicki Guttman, and their five children: Theresa Feeser (Ken), and children, Melissa Wolfe (Kyle) and Austin Feeser; Susan Duque and children Bryan Burns (Lauren McCool), Carey Burns, and David Burns; Dave Carey (Karin) and sons Daniel Carey and Michael Carey; Steve Carey (Carol) and daughter, Jessica Miller (Keoni); and Ed Carey (Tracy) and children Dylan Butts (Danielle) and Brooke Mino (Jack). In addition, Walter was blessed with six great-grandchildren: Clara, Zora, Connor, Kaelyn, and Hannah. He was also blessed with great-grandson Ollie, who was welcomed into Heaven at birth.

Walter is also survived by his loving sisters, Ann Greenwell (Don) and Ellen Badonsky.

And lastly, he is also survived by his furry friend Brandi, who brought him years of joy and laughter.

Walter will be remembered as a decorated Air Force veteran, respected investigator, accomplished pilot, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, trusted mentor, and loyal friend. His life was defined by honor, integrity, quiet strength, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and love that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

"Aim High... Fly, Fight, Win." Walter answered that call throughout his life with courage, humility, and honor.

Funeral Services

Visitation

Tobias Funeral Home

3970 Dayton Xenia Ave

Beavercreek, OH 45432

Thursday, August 6, 2026

9:00–11:00 a.m.

Funeral Mass

12:00 PM

Saint Paul Catholic Church

308 Phillps St

Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Procession from funeral home to the church will leave at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Interment

Saint Paul Catholic Cemetery

Immediately following the Mass

*In lieu of flowers, donations to SISCA or Humane Society of Greater Dayton are appreciated