Walter E. Hearn, Sr. was reunited with his beloved wife Victoria on Monday, April 1, 2024. “Walt” as known by many was born on May 5, 1940, in Milford to the late Boyce and Reba Hearn.
He is survived by his daughter Wanda Layton, and son Jeffrey (Tracy) Evans; brothers Dennis (Cheryl) Hearn, Vaughn (Pat) Hearn and sisters Debbie Jones, and Delores Maccari; grandchildren Joel Layton, Kevin (Carrianne) Layton, Ryan Hearn, Brooke (Josh) Kosiorowski, Jessica and Abbie Evans; and two great-grandsons Kolyn Layton and Emmit Kosiorowski.
Walt’s passing was preceded by his loving wife “Vicki” of 23 years, and two sons Walt Hearn, Jr. and Michael Evans and a son in law, Levin Layton.
Walt was originally from Blades until he moved with his young family just before his daughter started grade school. Walt started working at a barber shop with his grandfather at a young age to help support his family, a profession he would continue for over 65 years until he decided to retire in 2020 at the age of 80.
Walt was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #19 in Laurel, where he liked to visit almost every day afterwork. He could also be found many mornings, eating breakfast at Britt’s Dutch Inn or enjoying a round of golf every Wednesday and Sunday. Walt’s Barber Shop sponsored numerous Laurel Little League teams as well as men’s slow pitch softball teams. He was proud of his community and was happy to donate and support many different events.
Walt also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, dance and other activities, gladly taking them to and from practices. He rarely missed an event or performance.
Once a year he would host the biggest Super Bowl party in Sussex County, where he organized a gathering that would include over 200 guests with great food and prizes at the American Legion home in Laurel.
After he retired, Walt would enjoy taking daily rides twice a day. In the mornings, he would go to Dunkin’ Donuts for a small black decaf coffee and a glazed donut. In the afternoons, he would take a ride on the Woodland Ferry and feed ducks at Cherry Beach.
Walt and Walt’s Barber Shop were a staple of the Laurel community. Walt will forever be remembered as a kind, generous and honorable member of our community, who will truly be missed.
A viewing will be held on Monday, April 15 from 11 a.m.-noon at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956. A funeral service will begin at noon. Reverend Tim Dukes will officiate. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in honor of Mr. Walt Hearn to the Laurel Little League, “Laurel Little League Complex”, 10075 Woodland Ferry Road, Laurel, Delaware 19956 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.