Columbus, OH — Walter Calvin Birney Sr., 94, of North East, Md., died July 29, 2025.
A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Birney served his country during the Korean War from March 1953 to December 1954. After his service, he built a long and steady career as a kiln fireman at Harbison-Walker International, and was a member of VFW Post 8175 and the American Legion.
Mr. Birney was a dedicated harness racing owner, trainer and driver who raced on the Maryland and Delaware circuits at Ocean Downs, Freestate, Rosecroft, Harrington Raceway, Dover Downs, Brandywine Raceway and Liberty Bell. He continued to enjoy watching races in his later years.
He is survived by his children, Donna Baker, Diane Neal, Helen, Walter Jr. (Rose) and Howard (Maud); 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, David, Lawrence, and Nancy McCullin; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Margaret (née Clark); and siblings, Charles Jr., Benjamin, Wilson, and Phoebe Murray.
A funeral service will be held Friday (Aug. 1) at 11 a.m. at Hicks Home for Funerals, 103 West Stockton Street, Elkton, MD 21921, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will be at Cherry Hill Methodist Cemetery, in Cherry Hill, Md.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association.