Walter J. Baney

On November 22,2025 Walter J. Baney, 88, died in his sleep in The Villages Hospital, Florida.

Walter was a gentle and kind soul who over the years hosted and brought in as family 9 exchange students from Ecuador, Japan, Ukraine and Norway. Walter was an avid reader, traveler and promoter of education and lifelong learning. He and his wife (Darlene) participated in mission trips to Haiti, worked as volunteers for the Red Cross Disaster Services and traveled internationally as often as they could to visit past exchange students and experience many cultures. Walter also contributed often to the Special Olympics as a personal cause.

While his career did not define him, Walter was a retired superintendent of Cory Rawson Local Schools and prior educator in other districts across Northern Ohio. Walter also served 3 years in the US Army, stationed in Germany from 1958-1961.

Walter leaves his wife of 64 years, Darlene Baney; daughters, Michelle Baney (Mark), Darcy (Brad) Browne; three grandchildren, Leah Vickers, Aaron (Tiffany) Covert, Meghan (Patrick) McQuade; and 5 great grandchildren, James, Brayden, Anabella, Isabella and Alora Covert and his favorite ShitZu, Clara Bella.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond J. and Hanna Belle (Moon) Baney, siblings, Raymond Jr., Richard, Marian Freas, and Donna Light.

Military Graveside services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery on Thursday December 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500) is honored to serve Walter’s family.

A celebration of life will take place in February at Christ Lutheran Church in Summerfield, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Hancock County Red Cross or to Christ Lutheran Church (to establish a church library) P.O Box 693, Summerfield, Florida 34492.

Be in peace our loyal and humble servant of God and family.