Walter Joseph Rabe Sr.

Walt died on 23 July, 2017 of complications of prostate cancer and chronic lymphocytic cancer at age 83.

Walt was born on 7 January 1934, the third of seven children of Ferd and Aurelia Rabe. He spent his youth in Northern Kentucky, and graduated from Covington Latin School. (Good fortune!)

On 7 July 1953 Walt entered the US Military Academy at West Point as a member of the Class of 1957. In his third year there, while in Kentucky on leave, he met Janet Schummer at a dance. Over the years, the ensuing relationship and marriage resulted in the six offspring he leaves behind. (Good fortune!)

Upon graduation Walt entered USAF pilot training. After receiving his wings he was privileged to be part of the first new pilot group to go directly into fighter training in the then front line F-100 Super Sabre. He was always grateful that the U.S. government let him fly this wonderful fighter plane for over six years, including a tour in Vietnam. (Good fortune!)

Following graduate school at the University of Michigan, Walt served on the faculty at the USAF Academy in the Department of Astronautics and Computer Science. In later years he also served on the faculty of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington D.C. In between these tours he served in a variety of positions in the Air Force in different phases of systems development. Following Air Force retirement after 27 years, he found work with a quality engineering firm in the D.C. area, working in support of the Navy for another thirteen years. (Good fortune!)

Walt was most fortunate to have a large and loving family. The annual week at the beach with the entire family, the visits to the country property, the dinners with the entire family at home all enriched his life. Despite his obvious lack of talent, Walt also loved golf, and generally played twice a week. He kept, but did not worry about, scores. (Good fortune!)

Walt is survived by his wife, Janet, five daughters, Victoria Darby (Bruce), Pamela, Kimberly, Janet Bell (Carl), and Amy Reed (Travis), and one son, Walter (Claudia Rodriguez). Also surviving him are nine grandchildren: Jake Darby (Danielle), Tara Smith (Michael), Cole Darby, Caysie Balenger, Garrett Rabe, Ethan Rabe, Andrew Bell, Ashley Bell, and Trevor Reed; and three great grandchildren: Jaxon Smith, Carter Smith, and Wyatt Darby. Other survivors include Walt’s three living brothers: George, David (Barbara Simpson), and Frank; two sisters, Mary Aurelia Rice (Glenn), and Carol Ann Readnour; and three in-laws:, Art Del Conte and Bill Schummer (Judy Willer). Finally, Walt also had 34 nephews and nieces, and succeeding generations far too numerous to count or to know. (Good fortune!)

Walt never could understand why God so blessed his life with good fortune. He had the same problem understanding entropy.

A Visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 4 August 2017, at Demaine Funeral Home (5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA). The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, 5 August 2017 at St. Michael Church (7401 St. Michael Lane, Annandale, VA). Interment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one's charity of choice. Online condolences may be left at: www.demainefunerals.com

Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, VA.