Carl L. Walch

Carl L. Walch, 79, of Bowie, died December 17 from complications of pneumonia. Born on February 12, 1933, in Gambrills, Mr. Walch graduated from Arundel High School. He began working as a machinist at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC but that was interrupted by the Korean War. He served in the United States Marine Corp assigned to Clarksville Base in Tennessee. After his tour of duty, he returned to the Navy Yard. In 1960, he was one of the first chosen to go to Goddard Space Flight Center to work on the space program. He worked on many special projects including most of the main missions of NASA as a Physical Science Technician. He was innovative and made significant contributions to the early space program. He retired in 1988. An avid fisherman, he spent many hours fishing and crabbing on the local waterways. He also traveled over much of the United States, and with his wife Shirley, to Israel, Western Europe, Hawaii, and Mexico. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Bowie and was active in ushering, leading a men's group and evangelism. Carl loved people and sharing his love for God with everyone. Carl was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; a son, Carl Walch Jr. of Anacortes, Washington; two step-sons, Philip Casto of Laurel and Mark Casto of Frederick; two step-grandchildren; a step great-granddaughter; brother, Anthony of Onancock, VA; and former wife, Bonnie Phillips of Englewood, FL. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 20, at the Beall Funeral Home on Rt. 3 South. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 21, at Grace Baptist Church, Bowie. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 7210 Race Track Rd., Bowie, MD 20715 to be used for missions and outreach programs.