On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, Walter S. Kordek, 76, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. On Aug. 28, 1946, Walt was born in the small factory town of Ware, Mass.
He led an idyllic boy’s life of catching frogs, chasing butterflies, building forts and climbing trees. During high school, he became passionate about hunting partridges and rabbits with his dog, Speaker. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in wildlife biology. After a short stint with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he became a drafted soldier in Vietnam, where he moved in small groups to monitor villages, trails and campaigns. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Air Metal for engaging in more than 50 combat support flights.
Upon discharge, he married Fran, the love of his life and worked on degrees from Penn State University. In 1978, he began his career with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Walt retired in 2014 after 35 years of dedicated service, during which time, he served as assistant chief and head of the operations center in Elkins.
After retirement, Fran and Walt downsized and moved to Morgantown. Walt enjoyed birdwatching, hiking, gardening and was an avid reader.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Fran Slozak Kordek, and by two daughters and their spouses, Kara and Matt Ladd, of Cookeville, Tenn., and Mavis and C.J. Strakal, of Bruceton Mills. Walt was the only child of Walter J. and Viola Kordek, who preceded him in death.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home. Friends and family will be received at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 19 Jo Glen Drive, Morgantown, at 10 a.m. until the funeral mass at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14 with the Rev. Biju T. Devassy as celebrant with inurnment immediately following at Nicholson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Amedisys Home Health Care, 5007 MidAtlantic Drive, Morgantown, WV 26508 or a charity of choice.
Condolences:
www.hastingfuneralhome.com
