Obituary of Walter M. Deans

Walter McCulloch Deans passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 2^nd, 2023, in Freehold, NJ at the age of 96. He was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ to Scottish immigrants George M. and Mary (nee McKecknie Young) Deans on January 6^th, 1927, and he maintained an enduring love of his Scottish heritage throughout his long life.

When Walter graduated from high school, he was drafted into the Second World War. He was stationed in Germany and reached the position of Staff Sergeant where he worked as a Quartermaster. Upon returning to America after his service he worked in Insurance as a Claim Examiner for most of his career.

Walter was a long-time member of the Old Tennent Presbyterian Church where he showcased his exceptional singing voice in the church choir. Old Tennent Church is where he met many of his dear friends and his adoptive families: the Norlanders and the Burkes, with whom he spent many holidays. While he had no children of his own, the children in the Norlander and Burke families came to affectionately call Walter their grandfather. Walter is also survived by his dear friend Diana who made sure he was well taken care of in his final years, his decades long friend George who he spoke with almost every day for the last 40 years, as well as his many beloved cousins in Pennsylvania and back in Scotland.

Walter was a true gentleman and a kind and gentle soul who was beloved by many. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and his loved ones can take solace knowing he is at peace in heaven.

A memorial service for Walter will take place at the Old Tennent Church, 448 Tennent Road, Manalapan, NJ  07726 on Wednesday August 9^th, 2023 at 11:00 AM followed by a grave side interment in the Old Tennent Cemetery. All arrangements were under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. In lieu of flowers, donations to Raising Hope for Others, Inc. (www.raisinghopeforothers.org) or Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinerschildrens.org), would be appreciated.  Both charities were near and dear to Walter. For information, directions, or condolence messages, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com