Walter was born on July 9, 1914, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Ralph and Stella Tellin Smith. He was raised in Des Moines, where he attended public schools and the Open Bible College for three years. He was married to Gertrude Helen Feige of Des Moines in April of 1939. The couple lived in Des Moines and he worked for Iowa Pack and the Armstrong Rubber and Tire Company. They moved to Grinnell in 1994 and resided at the Mayflower Home. Walter was a member of the Open Bible Church when he lived in Des Moines. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, painting nature scenes, fishing, golfing and baseball. The most important part of his life was his family and he was very dedicated to them. Survivors include his sister, Erma MacKinnon of Bellingham, Washington; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; three sons, Ralph, Richard and Harry Smith; his parents; and one sister, Margaret Kimsey. Memorials may be directed to the Mayflower Home Human Needs Fund and sent in care of Ed Wilson, 7204 Twana Drive, Urbandale, IA 50322.