Col Walter S. de Forest, USMC (Ret), 81, and husband to Janice D. de Forest, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, surrounded by family at the Jones and Cabacoy Veteran's Care Center in Virginia Beach, VA.

Born October 31, 1943, in Montclair, NJ, Walt was the son of LtCol Walter R. de Forest, US Army and Helen S. de Forest, US Army Nursing Corps.

His education included a BA from the University of Massachusetts, a Masters in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin, earning Distinguished Graduate of Naval War College in 1978, and completing the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1984.

Walt retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel on July 31, 1993 after more than 30 years of service.

Highlights of his Marine Corps Service included: Infantry Company Commander, Vietnam 1970-71; Head, Media Relations Branch, HQMC, 1980-83; Deputy Director, Marine Corps Public Affairs, 1987-1990; and Commander/Publisher Pacific Stars & Stripes, Tokyo, Japan, 1990-93.

His military service awards included: Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V," Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award for Research and Writing.

He also authored and published "Press Coverage of The Pullman Strike of 1894;" and "US Public Information Strategy For Pre-War Mobilization."

Walt enjoyed working with Boy Scouts and served as a scout master in the 1980s & 1990s. He took great pride in his sons, Eric and John, as each attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He also loved spending time with his three precious grandchildren, Katie, Evelyn, and Tristan and enjoyed supporting and watching their many achievements from dancing to scouting.

He enjoyed camping, hiking, walking, jogging, sailing, reading, RV-ing and training golden retrievers. Walt loved spending time in the mountains as well as along the coast.

He is survived by his wife, Janice D. de Forest, of Olympia, WA & Tustin, CA; and sons, Eric Suffern de Forest (Leilani) and John Seabrook deForest (Suzanne); and three grandchildren Katie, Evelyn, & Tristan.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, 1701 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA, immediately preceding his inurnment at Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be sent to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation located at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA and https://www.marineheritage.org/makedonation.html. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.