SARATOGA SPRINGS — Col. Walter J. Kmen passed away Sunday, March 23 at the age of 90.
He was born in Saratoga Springs on November 6, 1923 and graduated from Saratoga High in 1941 while lettering in varsity football. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet in 1942. He graduated from advanced flight training in 1944 and received his pilot wings. As a 1st lieutenant for the 15th AAF he flew 50 missions during World War II while stationed in Italy, including two missions to the Ploesti oil fields as well as missions to Munich, Vienna, Bucharest and Budapest. He earned the Air Medal for completed combat missions and the Distinguished Flying Cross for landing his B-24 (four-engine) bomber on only two engines.
Upon returning home from the war, Walter attended Skidmore College from 1946-48 and completed his DDS degree from the University of Buffalo Dental School in 1952. He spent 27 years working at the VA Hospital in Albany, while at the same time spending 27 years in the Army Reserves 364th General Hospital based in Albany. All told, he had 40 years of military time and earned the rank of full Colonel.
After retirement he spent his time doing what he loved, including hunting in the Adirondacks with his brother Fred and playing poker with his friends one Sunday a month for over 50 years. He enjoyed his summers playing golf with his wife and family, gardening, and never missing an opening day at the racetrack.
Walter was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will truly be missed.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Susan Kmen; his children, Walter R. Kmen, Nancy Kmen Valencourt, Mark Kmen and his wife Christine, Stephen Pincher and his wife Maryfran, and Jennifer Kmen Chaloupka and her husband Scott. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Morgaine, Sedona, Braeden, and Maksm.
Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).
The Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29 in Bethesda Episcopal Church, 41 Washington Street by the Very Rev’d Marshall J. Vang. Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
