Walter "Walt" L. Hooper

Walter (Walt) L. Hooper, 90, of Ellicott City passed away March 30, 2025. He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Nancy, his children, Mitch and Kathy (Will), his grandchildren, Michael, Jonathan, and Alison, and his brother, David (Sandy).

Born to Adele Kelley Phillips and Walter Hooper Sr., Walt grew up in Baltimore playing baseball and other sports after school and going to the drug store soda fountain for a sweet treat. A graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Walt went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, spending part of his time stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines playing baseball. Walt would never shy away from an opportunity to tell you about his time at Clark AFB and the baseball tournaments he got to compete in across southeast Asia.

Walt married Nancy Welker of Irvington during his Air Force years. After his service, Walt took a job in sales, and he and Nancy started a family. The adventures they had together! New Fairfield, Connecticut was a cherished stop along the way. Walt helped start the town’s youth baseball league and first Pop Warner youth football team, and he actively coached both sports. Mitch and Walt were always on some field, and Nancy and Kathy were in the bleachers or raking the infield.

Walt continued his storied career on the diamond throughout his life, playing on many slow pitch softball teams. He umpired the seasons he wasn’t on a team. He even had the joy of playing on a co-ed softball team with Mitch and Kathy when they were in their 20’s. Nancy travelled with him to many tournaments. He was thrilled to have played in the Senior Olympics, and he continued playing senior softball up until the end.

Whenever Nancy and Walt went on vacation – whether to Ocean City, a neighborhood ski trip, or a cruise, Walt was happiest if he could find a venue with big band music so he and Nancy could go dancing. The grandkids and nieces and nephews knew that Pop or Uncle Walt always had money for the ice cream truck or Dairy Queen at the beach.

He was so happy to be a grandfather, he loved spending time with Michael, Jonathan and Alison. He worked hard to impart his vast sports knowledge and love of the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens and Maryland Terrapins onto them.

He will be missed.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.