Lt. Col Walter Russell Jr

Lt. Colonel Walter C. Russell, Jr, USAF (Ret) of New Bern, NC, died on September 21, 2025. He was 95 years old. Born in Sullivan, IN, he grew up around the world as his father was also a USNA graduate (’23). He attended prep school in California, receiving a Presidential Appointment from Harry S. Truman to the Naval Academy.

While at the Academy, he was a varsity gymnast. He graduated from the Class of 1953 and cross-commissioned into the US Air Force. His first assignment was as an Armament Systems Officer in the 335th Fighter Group at Kimpo Air Base in Korea. After his service in Korea, he was assigned to the Air Force Operational Test Center at Eglin AFB, FL. With his engineering skills, Walt was then selected to attend the US Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB where in 1959 he earned his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Next was to Space Systems Division at Los Angeles Air Force Station, with responsibilities for satellite tracking and acquisition ground stations associated with the MIDAS system. This transitioned into tracking, telemetry, and command for the Discoverer, Vela Hotel, and Blue Gemini programs. From there, he moved back to Wright-Patterson AFB and became the test director of the X-20 Dyna Soar program.

After Dayton, Walt moved to Patrick AFB to develop communication capabilities with NASA to support missiles, manned and unmanned satellites, and deep space probes. This developed into an assignment at Andrews AFB to support the technical operations of the National Range Division. His final post was project officer of systems engineering and interoperability of the Defense Satellite Communications System. Walt retired from the Air Force in 1973.

Walt entered the private sector, first with Computer Sciences Corporation and then Magnavox Government and Industrial Electronics Company (MAGIC). He went on to co-found Magnavox Data Systems to perform systems integration work for the US Air Force. He completed his civilian professional career at SPACECOM. Walt retired in New Bern where he was a founding member of the Eastern NC chapter of the Alumni Association.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, the former Greta Ruth Wittenberger; daughters Christine and Alison (George); son Doug, and grandchildren Luke Bowser (USMA ’25, 2nd LT, US Army) and Matthew Bowser.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ First Congregational with Pastor Lisa Hadler officiating. Inurnment will be at the Ogallala Cemetery with the Keith County Veterans Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.

Services will be live streamed and can be watched by going to www.drauckerfh.com and clicking the watch live button.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.