Walter Henry Kensel, 84, of Chester died Jan. 23 at Middlesex Hospital after a long illness. Walt was born in Deep River, son of the late Franklyn and Jessamine (Dickinson) Kensel.

Walter worked for Tilcon as a truck driver for 25 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of the American Legion Post #61 and Teamsters Local #443, and an NRA member and retired member of both the Chester Hose Co. and the Deep River Fire Departments. He also was a CB enthusiast, rescued birds, and bowled for many years in the Old Saybrook Bowling League.

Walter was the loving and devoted lifetime companion of Joanne Bombardier. Walt is also survived by his sisters Suzie and her husband Walter Smith of Lolo, Montana, and June and her husband Edward Sopneski of Old Lyme; his brother Robert and his wife Marcel Kensel of Huntsville, Alabama; stepchildren Linda and Larry Brainard of East Haddam, and Thomas Wood of Chester. He leaves grandchildren Sabrina, Hannah, and Jonathan, all of East Haddam. He is also survived by his good friends Tom and Lisa Lee and their son Michael, Tim and Kim Lee, and Don and Nancy Lee, all of Deep River; and his German shephard Hammer IV. Walter was predeceased by his aunt Mary Dickinson.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Gaylord Hospital, Aaron Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation, Guilford VNA Services, and Newington Veterans Hospital for the care of Walter over the years.

Visiting hours will be held at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St., Centerbrook, on Feb. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. The Funeral service will follow on Feb. 13 at the First Congregational Church in Deep River at 11 a.m. Contributions in Walt’s name may be made to the Chester Hose Co. To leave a memory or condolence, please visit www.rwwfh.com.