"Walt" died of complications from injuries received while a member of the American Expeditionary Forces overseas in Military Service during World War I.
While he resided in Los Angeles, he was expected to visit his hometown of Atchison before seeking medical treatment at the VA Hospital in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, but passed away before he was able. He had been treated there before for injuries received during the War. While overseas, he was badly gassed and suffered shrapnel injuries in France that had impaired his health severely since.
Having been born and reared in Atchison, Kansas, he was well known and liked there. He was one of the first of the young men of Atchison to join the War effort and saw his share of duty in Europe. At the time of the trouble on the Mexican border immediately prior to this country's entrance into the war, he enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and served with it during the campaign. He was foreman of the mailing department at Montgomery Ward & Co., in Kansas City when he resigned to join Co. F, 140th Inf., of the 35th division. For a time he was stationed at Camp Nichols, Kansas City, MO., and was then at Fort Sill, Okla., before going overseas.
His work with the intelligence section was outstanding and for a time he was on detached service in the Alps with the Italian troops. As a member of Company F he was twice cited for bravery and recommended for a Distinguished Service Cross. He was honorably discharged from the service at Camp Funston in the spring of 1919. He had lived in Kansas City and Atchison before moving to Los Angeles.
He married Birdie Smith of Atchison in April, 1908. She died in Kansas City eight years ago. He married Miss Hazel Turner of St. Joseph in Los Angeles several years ago, and she was with him at the time of his death. He is survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. W. P. Ham and some brothers and sisters.

--excerpts of this comprised obituary were originally published 15 May 1934 in a local Atchison newspaper. The newspaper clipping was provided by Findagrave member, David Garrison.