Edward (Ned) Preble von Walter

Edward (Ned) Preble von Walter peacefully passed away on September 5th at the age of 99. Ned was born in Washington D.C. on August 26, 1926, to Evelyn Preble Walter, an artist and modern dancer, and William Francis Walter Jr., a prominent landscape painter. He was the grandson of Edward Alexander Preble, renown American naturalist, explorer, and conservationist, and Eva Lynham, and Dr. William F. Walter and Loretto Buckley.

Ned is a descendant of Commodore Edward Preble of the frigate USS Constitution—the famous “Old Ironsides” of the American Navy.

Ned grew up in Washington DC and spent the summers of his youth with his grandfather Edward Preble in New Hampshire. His time with his grandfather was cherished and fostered his love for hiking and camping. He attended Christ Church School and Virginia Episcopal School. In 1944, at 17, he joined the navy to become a combat gunner. After serving, Ned attended the American University, Catholic University, and was a graduate of the University of Virginia class of 1951. At the University, Ned was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, the Cavalier Daily, and was briefly on the boxing team. He continued his studies at the Corcoran School of Fine Arts and was the recipient of two scholarships with Eliot O’Hara N.A. Ned studied with Lester Stevens N.A. in Maine and Massachusetts and Henry Hensche in Virginia. Studies with his father, William F. Walter also contributed to Ned’s Fine Arts education.

Ned was employed by the General Motors design staff for thirty years. At General Motors, Ned worked for Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac Divisions. A notable design contribution, recognized by many, was the addition of the acanthus leaves to the Cadillac logo. During his tenure at GM, Ned received several design patents and awards for his credit. While at GM, Ned lived with his blended family in Birmingham Michigan and enjoyed summers at his cottage at Macatawa on Lake Michigan. Ned and his family were all active members of Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills. Living in Michigan, the Water Winter Wonderland, Ned was a skier, an experienced sailor and an avid tennis player. He was active in local theater, and his favorite role was that of Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside in the musical, “Mame”. Ned enjoyed sharing his talents by teaching rendering and design for ten years at Macomb Community College. Ned was a member of the Scarab Club of Detroit, and he often exhibited his watercolor paintings as a featured artist. He showed his work in many art galleries throughout Michigan and occasionally participated in local art fairs as well. Some of Ned’s paintings can be found displayed at the General Motors Tech Center and with the former ad agency of J. Walter Thompson.

After retiring from General Motors, Ned returned to Virginia and built his home and studio, Woodburn, in Essex County. Indeed, “Virginia is for Lovers” and Ned was soon reunited with the sweetheart of his youth, Johanna Van Brunt of McLean, Virginia. Together they enjoyed thirty-nine wonderful years of world travel and life in their home on the beautiful Rappahannock River. There Ned continued to paint and share his artistic abilities with the community. He contributed his talents to support many organizations including Juvenile Diabetes, Tappahannock Rotary, and the Garden Club of Virginia. He was an active member of the Rotary, an affiliate of the Sons of the American Revolution, a Parishioner at Vauter’s Episcopal Church, and a supporter of the Phoenix Strike Force.

Ned will be remembered for his sharp wit, conservative ideals, and no-nonsense point of view. He enjoyed planting trees and cutting grass with his zero-turn lawn mower. He loved going to gun shows. He valued good manners and a single malt scotch. He liked swearing at other drivers and loved labradors more than some people. He was deeply fond of the many friends he made through the years. He was a man of quiet faith, and his heart was always devoted to his family. Ned was a caring husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

Ned is predeceased by his beloved wife Johanna, his sister Diana Dickinson, and his son Tim. He is survived by his children William V. Walter [Susan], Robin Schmidt [Glen], Amy Walter, Drew Walter, Kimberley Walter, and Eric Walter; his stepchildren Van Price, Allen Price, and Johanna (Hanni) Lowrie; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Vauter’s Episcopal Church in Loretto, Virginia on October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vauter’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 154, Champlain, Va., 22438.