Age 85, of Hillview, formerly of Wheelersburg, passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at SOMC in Portsmouth. He was born in Attica, NY on February 27, 1928 to Carl F. and Louise (Dohse) Marley. Growing up, he watched the Attica State Prison facility being built across the road from where he lived. He attended schools in Attica and was an avid reader. Walter joined the Navy in 1946 and served with the Atlantic Fleet.

He met and married Sara Reyn in 1949. They bought their farm in 1955 and became known for their Holstein cattle and quality eggs. Walter was active in his church, a 4-H leader for 18 years, and was president of the local Agway and Dairy-lea Co-operatives. He was an avid snowmobiler, trailing in NY State, Maine, Canada, New Hampshire, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. In 1986 he and Sara sold the farm and moved to Virginia where they spent 15 years managing farms and estates for doctors and lawyers. They became involved with the Angus breed of cattle, North Country Cheviot sheep, and The American Iris Society. In 2002 they moved to Ohio and he became active in the Wheelersburg United Methodist Church, VFW, and also maintained their beautiful Rainbow Iris Garden.

Walter is survived by his wife, Sara; son, Carl (Shirley Crothers-Marley) of Friendship; daughter, Kathleen Marley, of Idaho; daughter-in-law, Patricia Marley; one step-grandchild, Shondelle. In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by one son, Gregory, and one brother, Theron.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Wolfe-Nelson Funeral Home in Sciotoville with Pastor Perry Proesch officiating. Military rites will be provided by the James Dickey Post #23. Friends may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be left at www.WolfeNelsonFuneralHome.com. WOLFE-NELSON FUNERAL HOME in Sciotoville is handling the arrangements.