Walter R. Hampe, 89, of Stevensville and formerly of Severna Park and Arnold, died of natural causes May 9 at his home after a brief illness.

The son of the late Edward M. and Emily M. Hampe, Mr. Hampe was born Jan. 10, 1918, and reared in Baltimore, graduating from Forest Park High School in 1936 and Johns Hopkins University in 1941.

He was employed at Hochschild Kohn Department Store in Baltimore, Koppers Co., and Westinghouse Electric Corp. before retiring.

Mr. Hampe was a charter member of Harundale Presbyterian Church, past exalter ruler of Severna Park Elks Lodge 2482 and a member of the Severna Park High School Booster Club, helping to construct the schools' first football field. He also was a former member of the board of directors of Hospice of the Chesapeake, and first president of the Deep Creek Commons Condominum Association.

His interests included his family, writing poems, books, horseback riding and gardening.

He was married on Jan. 24, 1942, to Angela Bavis who died Sept. 14, 2005.

Surviving are three sons, W. Robert Hampe of Port Tobacco, Mike Hampe of Cape St. Claire and Matt Hampe of Middletown, Del.; two daughters, Judy Vasquez of Odenton and Edie Hampe LeBrun of Stevensville; one brother, Donald R. Hampe of La Vale; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother, Merle Hampe.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, where services will be at noon Monday. Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Park in Glen Burnie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401; Hospice of Queen Anne's Country, 423 Thompson Creek Road, Stevensville, MD 21666; or American Diabetes Association, 1701 Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311.

Online condolences may be made to www.barrancofuneralhome.com.

As published in "The Capital Newspaper" Annapolis, MD. 05/11/2007