Walter Kenneth Pankey Sr.

            Mr. Walter Kenneth Pankey Sr., 78, of Youngstown, passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2025, surrounded by love.

            Walter was born November 1, 1946 in Fairmont, West Virginia, a son of Benjamin and Dorothy Jackson Pankey.  Walter was raised in both Fairmont, WVA and Youngstown, OH.  He attended East High School where he was a proud East High Golden Bear.  In 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army and bravely served in the Vietnam War.  He attained the rank of Specialist 4th Class (SP4) and was honored with service awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and two Overseas Bars.  Walter was also recognized as an expert with the M14 rifle and a sharpshooter with the M16.  Following his military service, Walter worked for Conrail Railroas as a track layer, and at General Motors.  He had a deep love for music, nature and gardening, acting as a beloved city farmer in his community.  He was especially well known for playing chess, breeding pit buss and caring for his plants.  One of Walter’s favorite pastimes was spending time with family and friends.

            He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Dorothy Pankey; siblings, Charles, Benjamin, Joseph, Larry and Raymond; nieces, Annithe Triplett and Tosha Panky; nephew, Leslie Johnson; and his former spouses, Catherine Carney and Christina Hurst.

            He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Tamica Pankey, Anitra Page, Kenneth Pankey, Vincent Page, Walter K. Pankey Jr., Bianca Pankey, Kayla Pankey; siblings, Sandra Pankey Wallace, Edward Pankey; his grandchildren, great grandckhildren, who will carry his legacy forward.

            The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, love, donations and support during this time.

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