Obituary
Walter George Levander, age 71, of Oviedo, Florida passed away on Monday October 1, 2018. He was born in Ashtabula, Ohio on May 6, 1947 to George Arthur & Marjorie (Bolte) Levander.
He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his Uncle Walter Levander.
Mr. Levander is survived by his loving wife, Eleene; son, Shannon; granddaughters, Madison & Ava; sister, Linda Berg (Harold); niece, Julie Gamez (Miguel); great niece, Ariana Gamez; great nephew, Benny Gamez
Walt grew up on a farm in Ohio. Then the family moved to the Napa area of California while he was in high school. He joined the Navy in 1966 upon graduation. He was a torpedoman on board the USS Diodon (SS-349). His career sent him to many ports on both coasts as well as Hawaii. While training in Orlando, he met Eleene. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married prior to his station in Hawaii. Their son, Shannon, was born while there. Walt retired from the Navy in 1994 as a Senior Master Chief.
Upon his retirement he settled in Oviedo where his love of golf blossomed. Although he loved playing golf, he very much enjoyed watching other sports as well. After spending his youth in Ohio his fondness for the state’s sports teams was inevitable. He was passionate about “The Ohio State University” Buckeyes football. He loved the Cleveland Indians and even the Browns! However, he was known to root for Tom Brady and the Patriots as well. We can’t forget his adopted sport of NASCAR. It made his day seeing Jeff Gordon and the #24 in Victory Lane!
Walt will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Monday October 8th, from 4:30pm – 6:30pm at the Dove Chapel of Baldwin Brothers in Orlando, Florida. A memorial service will start at 6:30pm with Fr. George Nursey of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church presiding. Burial will take place on Tuesday October 9th at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.
James Richard Santos SR to TM2(SS) 65-71, 7 years later, joined USCGR, PS3 to PSCS USCGR ALAMEDA, CA
I met you in 1966 when we attended torpedoman "A" school together in San Diego. And just by chance we both ended up being shipmates on the USS Diodon (SS-349) in 1967 and 1968. I remember giving you a ride home to Napa a few times when we were in the shipyard in Vallejo, California in 1968. Good times and good memories. Rest in peace my friend.
Jay D Mack
USS Diodon (SS-349) 1967-68
We will miss you Walt.
See you in Fiddlers Green Walt.