Walter Theodore Panner

Walter Theodore Panner (96) of Rosedale, MD and formerly of Bethel Park, PA went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 15, 2015. Walt was the husband of the late Ruth E Steeb Panner, whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Born June 13, 1918 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late John and Theresa Panner.

Walt met the love of his life, Ruth E. Steeb, at his older brother Frank’s wedding. They were married December 19, 1942.

Walt joined the U.S. Army March 24, 1941 and was trained to fly Piper Cub aircraft. In World War II he successfully flew 99 reconnaissance missions in the European front. Walter T Panner, First Lieutenant, Artillery, USAR and was honorably discharged on April 1, 1953.

While living on the Fort Bragg Army base in NC, Walt tells the story of flying his airplane low over their house so he could drop his laundry off to Ruth. Walt was proud of the fact that while he was in service Ruth also received her pilot’s license and flew for the Civil Air Patrol out of Bridgeville, PA.

After the war Walt received a BS in Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.

He worked as an HVAC engineer with Blawnox Corporation in Pittsburgh.

Walt and Ruth raised 4 children who graduated from Bethel Park High School. They enjoyed nature, were avid gardeners and loved taking care of their wild feathered friends. They were very active in the Church of the Nazarene in Bethel Park, PA. After his retirement he was very involved with men’s Prime Timers group at the church.

Walter was one of eight children and is survived by his sister, Marguarite Roeder of Reynoldsburg, OH; sister-in-law Janet Steeb Burland of Pittsburgh, PA; brother-in-law Charles Francis of Clearwater, FL.

Children, Ginny Panner Fields of Nottingham, MD; Tom Panner (Carol Mackechnie) of Rosedale, MD; Kris Panner Popovich (Alan); Beth Panner Johnson (Tom), 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Christian burial will be performed by Dr. David Barker of New Covenant Presbyterian Church, PCA.

Relatives and friends may gather at Schimunek Funeral Home, Inc. 9705 Belair Rd., Nottingham, MD 21236, on Tuesday May 19th from 12:30-1:30pm at which time a funeral service will be held at 1:30pm. Interment Parkwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Seasons Hospice Foundation, 8537 Solution Center, Chicago, IL 60677-8005 (www.seasonsfoundation.org) and the American Diabetes Association.